De La Salle University-EcoOil averted the upset axe from Ranran Abdilla and Philippine Air Force, surviving in five grueling sets, 37-35, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-12, to stay unbeaten in Pool B of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Paco Arena.
The Green Oilers needed every bit of JM Ronquillo’s 29 points, Noel Kampton’s 23, and Nathaniel Del Pilar’s 21 in order to counter Abdilla’s heroic effort for the Airmen, unleashing a new league record of 47 points.
The 31-year-old wing spiker surpassed the 43-point performance of Marck Espejo during Cignal’s five-set win over, coincidentally, Abdilla’s Air Force on October 23, 2019.
“Thank God nanalo. Performance? Not so satisfied. It all boils down how we prepare, that’s it. Nandoon siguro yung underestimating the opponent, sabihin nating mga hindi na kundisyon pero sabi ko nga sa kanila hindi yun ang focus nila,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque after needing two hours and 16 minutes to gain the victory.
“Sabi ko don’t take it too light, take it seriously.”
In the deciding frame, Abdilla tried to carry the Airmen with seven points. But Kampton and Ronquillo linked up for the Green Oilers, before Eugene Gloria hammered the clinching crosscourt kill.
Gene Poquita tossed 24 excellent sets while libero Menard Guerrero did well on defense with 18 excellent receptions and 12 digs for the Green and White.
La Salle improved to 4-0 to further increase its chances of making the playoffs while also booting out Air Force, which slid to 1-3.
The Green Oilers will look to secure a sure seat in the quarterfinals on Friday when they face Cabuyao. Meanwhile, the Airmen will close their run against VNS on December 1.
Edwin Tolentino and JR Labrador supported Abdilla with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
