DE La Salle University cruised to its third straight win in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament but not after surviving a marathon third set against University of the East, 25-14, 25-20, 31-29 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Green Spikers zoomed to a 4-1 record for momentary solo second while the Red Warriors remained winless in five matches.
“Based sa previous games ng UE, on the third set medyo talagang they try to push themselves na maipanalo yun. Somehow may kaunting control doon sa bola namin kaya hindi namin nadeliver pero ready naman kami doon,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque.
After runaway first and second sets, the Green Spikers saw a reinvigorated Red Warriors in the third, even taking a 29-28 lead in the extended frame.
However, errors doomed UE as JP Mangahis, Angelo Reyes, and Brent Maralit committed three consecutive errors to give La Salle the win in just 79 minutes.
The “triangle arsenal” of the Green Spikers was in full effect today with Vince Maglinao leading the way with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
The other two sides of the triangle Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo posted 13 points apiece with the former getting eight excellent receptions and the latter making six digs.
Joshua Pozas was the lone Red Warrior in double digits with 14 points along with five digs.
Both teams will be back in action on Sunday at the same bayside Pasay arena.
UE will open the day against the defending champion National University at 10 a.m. while La Salle will face the still-winless University of the Philippines at 12 p.m.