DLSU spikers boost semis bid
De La Salle pulled off a stunning four-set victory over defending champion National University, 25-19, 25-18, 31-33, 27-25, to boost its own Final Four bid in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Green Spikers inched closer than ever to a Final Four return after climbing 8-3 in the standings while also handing the Bulldogs their third loss this season.
NU, though, has already clinched a Final Four berth along with top seed Far Eastern University, with La Salle and University of Santo Tomas seeking to reclaim the last two spots.
Vince Maglinao, JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton delivered their usual high numbers for La Salle in its first taste of victory against NU since the second round of Season 77 in 2015.
Outside hitter Maglinao carried out a team-high 22 points off 19 attacks, two blocks and one service ace, while opposite spiker Ronquillo contributed 19 markers built on 15 attacks, three blocks and a service ace.
Kampton, for his part, shone offensively with 18 points on 18 kills that even went with 22 receptions.
The Green Spikers zoomed to a two-seat lead before the Bulldogs clapped back with a third set win to drag the match into an extension.
By the time NU found its groove, La Salle was already riding on the momentum train on the way to the massive upset win.
The once unbeaten NU from last season has now dropped three games — two losses against UST in the eliminations and this time La Salle accounting for the third one.
With the losses, the Bulldogs slid to a 9-3 card in the standings, still good enough for the No. 2 seed that comes with a potential twice-to-beat bonus.