Noel Kampton powered De La Salle University to a bounce-back victory, overcoming a slow start to defeat University of the Philippines in four sets, 23-25, 25-13, 26-24, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Kampton came out firing with 21 points on 17 attacks and four aces, along with 15 excellent receptions and seven digs.
It was a welcome bounce-back performance after seeing himself limited to just six points in La Salle’s previous loss to University of Santo Tomas.
UP appeared poised to take a 2-1 set lead after Angelo Lagando and Louise Aballe pushed the Fighting Maroons to a 21-17 advantage in the third.
However, Kampton took charge, leading the Green Spikers’ comeback and even giving them a 24-23 edge.
Though Olayemi Raheem momentarily kept UP alive with a crosscourt attack, Lagando’s next attempt went long. Rui Ventura then stuffed Raheem to seal the set for La Salle, 2-1.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With momentum on their side, JJ Rodriguez, Ventura, and Vince Maglinao took over in the fourth, turning a slim 4-3 lead into a commanding 15-7 advantage.
The Green Spikers never looked back, closing out the match in one hour and 51 minutes to improve to 2-2 and claim sole possession of fifth place.
De La Salle, which had an impressive off-season buildup, split its first four matches.
“Coming from a loss, pinaprocess pa namin kung anong pwede naming i-counter. Naka-catch up naman ‘yung team so hopefully start na ito ulit,” said head coach Jose Roque.
Ventura, who provided a spark off the bench, finished with 14 points built on nine spikes, three blocks, and two aces.
“Lahat naman kami working hard every training. Marami pa kaming dadaanan na pagsubok pero I think matatag naman ‘yung chemistry namin so hopefully we can overcome these obstacles,” said Ventura.
La Salle looks to sustain its momentum when it faces University of the East on Saturday at the same Pasay venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UP suffered its third consecutive loss after an opening weekend win, dropping to 1-3 and settling for joint-sixth with Adamson.
Nigerian hitter Raheem once again led the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, while Lagando added 11 points and five digs.
UP will attempt to snap its losing streak on Wednesday against UST at the same arena.
