De La Salle University-EcoOil opened the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference with a straight-sets victory over VNS, winning 25-23, 25-20, and 25-20 on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Green Oilers didn’t face much trouble in securing an opening-day win in Pool B, even though they were missing ace spikers Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo.
“Sobrang happy kasi lahat sila nag-deliver. Kung ano yung plan namin, kung ano yung sinimulan namin right after V-League na you’ll be playing for Spikers’ Turf, talagang yun ang mindset sila muna habang nagrerecover ‘yung starters,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque on the second-stringers taking up the starters role.
The Green Oilers had a shaky start as the Griffins came within one point in the first set after Russel Fronda’s quick kill, making it 23-24. However, in the subsequent play, Barbie San Andres squandered his opportunity to tie the match by committing a service error.
From that point on, La Salle cruised to victory, relying on the offensive contributions of Rui Ventura, Jules De Jesus, and Yoyong Mendoza, along with the defensive skills of libero Menard Guerrero, who tallied 11 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Ventura and De Jesus played pivotal roles for La Salle, scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively, while Mendoza also chipped in with nine points.
In his return to VNS, San Andres led the game with 16 points, all of which came from attacks. Pemie Bagalay also added 12 points for the Griffins, who finished fifth in the last conference.
The EcoOil-supported La Salle will enjoy an eight-day break before returning to action on October 29th against PCU Dasmariñas-SASKIN.
VNS will be back in action on November 3rd against Cabuyao.
