Noel Kampton delivered a stellar 27-point performance to lead De La Salle University past rival Ateneo de Manila University, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Green Spikers not only secured their third consecutive victory but also broke free from a tie with the Blue Eagles.
La Salle now shares third place with the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers with identical 4-2 records.
The win also marked the team’s third straight triumph over Ateneo, following their elimination round sweep in Season 86.
“Super motivated to win today kasi we’re fighting for our pride, school pride na ito ‘eh. Sobrang big morale boost din nito kasi we beated our rival school,” said Kampton, who posted 27 points on 23 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with six excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo rallied from an early 11-14 deficit to take a slim 18-17 lead, but Kampton responded with three consecutive attacks to regain a crucial 21-20 advantage.
Jian Salarzon answered back with a crosscourt hit to tie the set at 21-all, but Rui Ventura took charge with three consecutive points.
Vince Maglinao then sealed the win with a powerful hit, capping the match in one hour and 55 minutes.
In the third set, the Green Spikers held a narrow 21-19 lead before capitalizing on three costly errors by the Blue Eagles — a service miscue from Jetlee Gopio and two double-contact violations on Lorenzo Gutierrez — capped off by Kampton’s offspeed hit to secure a 2-1 set advantage.
La Salle also showed resilience in the second set, pulling away from a 20-all deadlock behind key attacks from Ventura and Kampton to tie the match at one set apiece.
Ateneo claimed the opening frame after staging a decisive 4-1 run from a 21-19 lead, highlighted by Kennedy Batas’ through-the-block hit, an ace from Amil Pacinio, and a service error from Maglinao.
“Proud ako kasi nagawa namin yung plano namin and at the same time, lahat ng pagbubuhos namin ng panahon, somehow ito yung naging resulta,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque.
“Ito naman yung goal namin for now, bago matapos yung last game ng first round. We see to it na magawa at masulit namin yung kundisyon namin.”
Ventura contributed 13 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces with one excellent dig, while Maglinao added seven points, six excellent receptions, and four excellent digs.
Eco Adajar orchestrated La Salle’s offense with 12 excellent sets and one attack, while team captain Menard Guerrero anchored their floor defense with 20 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs.
La Salle will close the first round against the undefeated Far Eastern University on Saturday, March 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, after a solid win over UST last Sunday, Ateneo dropped to solo fifth place with a 3-3 record.
Batas led Ateneo in the losing effort with 22 points on 20 attacks and two aces, along with 10 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. Salarzon added 19 points on 16 attacks and three blocks, with nine excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Pacinio delivered 14 points on 10 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Brian Castro chipped in seven points on six attacks and one block.
Gutierrez dished out 15 excellent sets and contributed three points on two attacks and one block, while team captain Lance de Castro tallied 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Ateneo will aim to end the round on a high note when they face the winless University of the East on the same date and venue.
