For the past four UAAP seasons, the tandem of Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao has been instrumental in De La Salle University’s men’s volleyball success.
Though their partnership was delayed by the cancellation of Season 83 due to the pandemic, Kampton and Maglinao made the most of the past four years.
They claimed a bronze medal in beach volleyball in Season 84, finished fourth in indoor volleyball in Season 85, and secured another bronze in Season 86.
Despite their talent and impact, the Green Spikers’ dynamic duo has yet to lead La Salle past the championship hurdle — something the program hasn’t achieved since Season 68 in 2003.
Now, with both Kampton and Maglinao opting to return for their final year, they are laser-focused on one goal: bringing the UAAP men’s volleyball championship back to Taft.
Kampton, a mainstay of the national men’s volleyball team, feels even more motivated to lead La Salle to a strong start in Season 87 — especially in the absence of Maglinao, who suffered an ankle sprain last Friday.
“Mina-mindset ko lang na chine-cherish namin yung last playing year namin sa UAAP. Hindi na makakabalik dito ‘eh, gusto ko aalis ako sa DLSU at tsaka sa UAAP na magiging proud yung coaches namin at yung DLSU community sa amin,” Kampton said.
“Diskarte talaga ‘yan nila coach and teamwork talaga ‘eh kasi ang gusto ni coach, walang superstar, gusto niya teamwork ang mangyari. Kahit anong mangyari, gusto niya lumalabas teamwork namin. ‘Yun ang goal namin ni Vince as seniors — steering the team properly.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adding fuel to Kampton’s hunger this season was the harsh reality check the Green Spikers received in their opener: a straight-sets defeat to defending champions National University.
The 25-year-old outside hitter bounced back in a big way on Saturday afternoon, leading La Salle to a 25-19, 25-23, 25-19 sweep of Adamson University.
Kampton exploded for 24 points on 22 attacks, one block, and one ace while contributing eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
“Hindi ako nakatulog after nun. Hindi ko tinitignan yung score, pero tinitignan ko yung results ng game ‘eh, na na-straight sets kami ng defending champion. Napaisip din kami nila coach na malayo pa kami kasi ginagauge namin yung NU kasi sila yung defending champion,” he added.
“Yung preparation namin for one week, naging balanse kahit midterms week namin ngayon. Medyo mahirap kasi talaga — after training, nagka-class kami. Mindset lang talaga.”
Head coach Jose Roque echoed Kampton’s sentiments, emphasizing that their impact must go beyond individual stats and accolades, especially with a young Green Spikers roster relying on their leadership.
Supporting Kampton and Maglinao in their quest to end La Salle’s 22-year title drought are MJ Fortuna, Eric Layug, Chris Hernandez, and Rui Ventura — all of whom showcased immense potential in the Green Spikers’ pre-season campaigns in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge and the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
“Gaya ng nababanggit namin sa kanila kaming mga coaches, since they’re already in their senior year, they have to step up and lead the team. Kasi kung sila na mismo yung senior na tapos hindi pa nila madala yung rookie, there’s something wrong with the team,” Roque said postgame.
“‘Yon lang ang advice namin: Since kayo ang nakakaangat diyan, you have to lead the rookies.”
