TOUGH GAME. La Salle University's Noel Kampton (No. 9) scores against University of the East defenders in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday (April 9, 2024). The Green Spikers won, 25-17, 25-11, 25-21. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – De La Salle University survived a tough third set to beat University of the East, 25-17, 25-11, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday.
La Salle improved its record to 7-3, staying at No. 3 in the standings behind Far Eastern University (9-1) and National University (8-2).
The Tamaraws had earlier claimed their fourth consecutive win at the expense of the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 25-17, 25-17, 25-22.
“Sabi ko nga sa team, from after FEU, talagang kailangan focus kami sa succeeding games namin whoever magiging opponent namin. Handa talaga kami. Yun yung binigay ko na mindset. For us na makapasok lang sa Final Four (I told the team, from after FEU, we really need to focus on our succeeding games whoever will be our opponent. We are really ready. That's the mindset I gave. For us to just enter the Final Four)," La Salle head coach Jose Roque said after the match.
Noel Kampton delivered 17 points, including two in a crucial 4-1 run that allowed the Green Spikers to take a 23-20 lead in the third set. He also made nine excellent receptions.
Nathaniel Del Pilar and Vince Maglinao added eight points apiece while Glen Ventura and Billie Amina added six points each for La Salle, which will take on defending champion National University on Sunday, 12 noon, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Angelo Reyes finished with 11 points while Pozas chipped in 10 points for UE, which absorbed its ninth loss against one win. The Red Warriors will face the Ateneo Blue Eagles (5-5) also on Sunday at 10 a.m. (PNA)
