The La Salle Green Spikers secured their second consecutive victory after outlasting the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In the fourth set, the Green Spikers started strong, building a 10-4 lead. The Soaring Falcons threatened late in the set, trimming the deficit to three points, 19-22. However, Chris Hernandez, Eric Layug, and Eugene Gloria took control in the closing moments to seal the win for La Salle.
“Noong we are trying to prepare for this game, somehow, lumabas ‘yung resulta. Then again, we need more of this para at least, para makaangat naman kami ng konti sa standings,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.
La Salle Moves Up in Standings
With the win, La Salle now finds itself in a three-way tie for fourth place with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the UP Fighting Maroons. All three teams hold identical 2-4 win-loss records.
Roque added: “It’s more like a wake-up call kasi four losses are a big deal. From those four losses, ito na ‘yung time na nagising sila at kami dahil hindi pwede madagdagan pa. Because if we are aiming for our goal—which is on the top four—medyo alanganin ‘yon.”
Issa Ousseini led the Green Spikers with 21 points built on 14 attacks, 5 blocks, and 2 aces, while Gloria added 18 points and 22 excellent receptions. Rui Ventura finished with 12 points, while Hernandez and Layug chipped in 10 points apiece.
Rookie setter Nathaniel Bangit orchestrated the offense with 33 excellent sets, while libero Neil Flores recorded 17 excellent receptions and 5 excellent digs.
For Adamson, Joel Menor paced the team with 18 points built on 16 attacks and 2 blocks, while Maruel Tan contributed 16 points.
The Green Spikers will wrap up their first-round campaign against the defending champions, the NU Bulldogs, on Sunday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Earlier that day, the Soaring Falcons will face the UP Fighting Maroons at 9:00 a.m.
