The La Salle Green Spikers finally broke through in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament, defeating the UE Red Warriors, 27-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After an embarrassing 0-4 start—their worst opening in the Final Four era—the Green Spikers leaned on Chris Hernandez, Issa Ousseini, and Eugene Gloria to secure their first victory of the season.
La Salle Avoids Collapse to Notch Breakthrough Win
La Salle stumbled in the third set but quickly regained control in the fourth, racing to a commanding 13-5 lead. From there, the Green Spikers maintained their advantage and kept the Red Warriors at bay to close out the match.
“Gaya ng binabanggit ko sa team, [our record] does not mean we are down by four. Kailangan talaga trabahuin namin kung ano yung need punuan, pupunuan namin para makuha namin ang game na ito,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.
“Talagang trabaho lang talaga kami. Whether three-set loss, four sets, or five sets, kung ano lang yung kailangan namin punuan, pupunuan namin. We’re still learning kung anong adjustments, and at the same time, encouraging them na we have to play better than the last game.”
Hernandez led La Salle with 17 points, while Gloria and Ousseini added 15 markers each. Nathaniel Bangit orchestrated the offense with 28 excellent sets, while libero Neil Flores tallied 17 excellent receptions.
For UE, Raquim Aceron erupted for 30 points and 21 excellent receptions. Carl John Nabora contributed 11 points and 12 excellent digs, while Xjhann Vlandre Camaymayan and Isaiah Roca combined for 15 markers.
The Green Spikers look to build on this breakthrough when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, March 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors aim to recover as they take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, March 14, at the same venue.
