De La Salle University regrouped after a fourth set collapse, taking a 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 21-25, 15-11 win over archrival Ateneo de Manila University for a share of the second spot in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.
Senior trio Vince Maglinao, JM Ronquillo, and Billie Anima took turns in giving the much-needed blows for the Green Spikers in the fifth set to finish the match in two hours and three minutes.
Challenges also proved timely for La Salle as head coach Jose Roque and his staff won two in the decider that also contributed to their finisher, turning a 9-8 tight lead into a 15-11 clincher.
De La Salle improved to 3-1, tying National University in second place, just behind the still-unbeaten Far Eastern University, which has a 3-0 record.
“I think hindi kami ganon katibay pa talaga as a team pero we’re trying to work it out. Hindi naman namin binabalewala bawat makakaharap namin, talagang we see to it na gagawan namin ng paraan,” said Roque.
La Salle looked prime to end the match in four frames after taking a 19-15 advantage in the fourth, but off-the-bench Amil Pacinio and Aimar Okeke connived to overhaul that deficit for Ateneo, winning 25-21 to extend the game.
“Ni-remind ko lang sa teammates ko na ilaban nila yung pride nila kasi rivalry game ito. Ilaban niyo yung pride niyo kung gaano niyo kagusto ipaglaban yung La Salle,” said Ronquillo, who unloaded 20 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
Maglinao scored a game-high 21 to go with 16 receptions, and eight digs.
Meanwhile, Noel Kampton had an all-around performance of 18 points and 24 receptions.
Okeke produced 19 points and 12 receptions as the Blue Eagles slipped to an even 2-2 record for solo fifth.
Jian Salarzon and Ken Batas also cracked double figures in points for the losing team with 15 and 12, respectively.
De La Salle’s next game will be on Wednesday against University of the East. On the other hand, Ateneo will return next Saturday against University of Santo Tomas.
Both will be held at the same Pasay venue.
