De La Salle University kicked off its UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament campaign with a close 25-22, 25-23, 26-24 sweep of Adamson University, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Green Spikers, spearheaded by the 1-2 punch of JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton, were successful in fending off every comeback attempt from the Soaring Falcons in the tight three-set encounter.
“I think ano naman sila, ‘di naman somehow na-pressure eh. It’s just that yung communication lang talaga siguro yung maga-ano samin,” said debuting La Salle head coach Jose Roque after the one hour, 23-minute affair.
“Nag-usap sila after ng rally, medyo lumamang sila. Nandun naman yung tiwala nila sa isa’t isa so naging maganda yung outcome. Confident naman ako sa team ko na malalagpasan itong game na ito,” he added.
La Salle actually played from behind for the entirety of the third set, with Adamson even taking a 24-23 advantage after a Mark Leo Coguimbal quick attack in an attempt to extend the game.
Vince Maglinao answered back, scoring through the block to send the game to a deuce before Billie Anima rejected Marc Paulino above the net to push the Green Spikers at match point.
Kampton, who also came up big in the previous sets, scored the match-winning point off a check ball.
“Well, siguro ano lang, medyo prepared lang talaga kami. Though hindi pa gaanong ka-pulido, but may mga pagkakataon kasi na nagkakaroon ng lapses in terms of communication,” said Roque.
Kampton delivered a game-high 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces to go along with seven excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Ronquillo added 18 markers on 16 attacks, a block, and an ace.
Diogenes Poquita tossed 15 excellent sets to go along with two points while Menard Guerrero tallied 13 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
La Salle will look to sustain its momentum against Far Eastern University on Wednesday, 10:00 AM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Joel Menor paced the Soaring Falcons with 12 points, while Paulino and John Gay chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Adamson will return to the MOA Arena next Saturday to face off against University of the Philippines also at 10:00 AM.
