By: Jerod Orcullo
After limited playing time in La Salle’s first three games, Rui Ventura made his presence felt in a big way, helping the Green Spikers secure a bounce-back win over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday.
Ventura came off the bench and delivered 14 points, tallying nine attacks, three blocks, and two aces. He provided key support for La Salle star Noel Kampton, who led the charge with 21 points built on 17 attacks and four service aces, while also contributing 15 excellent receptions and seven digs.
More importantly, the Green Spikers improved to an even 2-2 record after defeating the Fighting Maroons in four sets, 23-25, 25-13, 26-24, 25-15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“For me, talagang kailangan lang is yung mental focus. Kasi you never know what could happen, basta para sakin is, pag tinawag ka, ready ka na,” said the 6-foot-4 opposite spiker from Saint Paul Christian School in the US after the game.
Ventura, a sophomore, dismissed the idea that his breakout performance was a one-time event, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute more if given the opportunity.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Definitely I think may mas maipapakita pa ko, but lahat naman kami, we’ve been working hard every training. Marami pa kaming dadaanan na pagsubok, but I think matatag naman yung team chemistry namin,” he added.
Coming into the season, the Green Spikers weren’t just viewed as Final Four contenders—they were considered title favorites, thanks to their deep and experienced roster.
However, head coach Jose Roque’s squad has faced early setbacks, suffering straight-set losses to last season’s finalists, National University and the University of Santo Tomas.
Despite the slow start, Roque remains focused on replicating last year’s performance, when La Salle finished the elimination round as the third seed with an 11-3 record.
“We’re trying our best na at least yung last season na pinakita namin eh matumbasan namin,” he said.
With the rest of the season still ahead, Roque is grateful for the contributions of his deep spiker rotation, which includes Ventura, Kampton, Yoyong Mendoza, MJ Fortuna, Vince Maglinao, and Chris Hernandez.
“Siguro I would say, best decision ever kasi kung last year, meron naman talagang tao, pero this year nag-improve talaga sila,” he noted.
“Well, it’s not too perfect, pero everyone talaga nakakapag-contribute. Whether kung sino ipasok namin, somehow balanse talaga.”
