The La Salle Green Spikers pulled off a massive upset against five-time defending champion NU Bulldogs, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle seized control in the deciding fifth set, building a 10-7 advantage before Alas Pilipinas member Leo Ordiales sparked an NU rally with two straight attacks to trim the deficit to 9-10. However, Yoyong Mendoza stepped up for the Green Spikers, scoring 3 points in La Salle’s game-clinching 5-1 run to seal the upset victory.
“Ang reminder ko lang sa team, play one game at a time. Sabi ko nga, it doesn’t matter anong resulta ng game as long as we play hard and give our all. So far, nagbunga naman ‘yung resulta,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.
“Nandoon naman ‘yung faith ko sa team. Sabi ko nga, isa-isahin natin para may pacing.”
Team Effort Tows La Salle Past Mighty NU
Iman Hernandez led La Salle with 18 points built on 14 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 aces, along with 12 excellent receptions. Issa Ousseini and Eugene Gloria added 14 points each, while Uriel Mendoza contributed 12 markers.
Setters Ezer Regidor and Nathaniel Bangit combined for 27 excellent sets, while libero Neil Flores anchored the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Ordiales paced the Bulldogs with 22 points built on 20 attacks and 2 blocks. Jade Disquitado added 18 points, while Buds Buddin was limited to 13 markers. Obed Mukaba and Peng Taguibolos combined for 10 points.
The Green Spikers will next face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs look to bounce back against the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the Big Dome.
