De La Salle University displayed its composure and poise under pressure, fending off University of Santo Tomas’ bid for a reverse sweep in a thrilling five-set showdown, 25-23, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-11, to claim the last finals spot in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Wednesday.
With UST clawing back from a three-point deficit to close in at 9-10 in the deciding set, the reigning champions rallied with a pivotal 5-2 finish. Eugene Gloria’s powerful kill and a crucial service error by Al-Bukharie Sali sealed the two-hour and 26-minute contest, a match that had been a nail-biter from start to finish.
"Yung faith and trust ko, talagang binigay ko na sa kanila. I know my team is young compared to last season, pero yung tiwala ko na nakita ko sa kanila na kaya naming ulitin," said La Salle head coach Jose Roque, reflecting on the turning point that sparked their series comeback.
The victory propelled the Green Spikers into a finals clash against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, with Game 1 of the best-of-three series set for Sunday at the same venue.
After scraping through the first two sets, benefiting from UST’s service errors, La Salle appeared on track to wrap up the match. However, the Golden Spikers came roaring back, seizing the third and fourth sets in dramatic fashion to force a decider.
UST’s offense came alive behind the efforts of Julian Macam and Poppy Colinares, as they refused to concede the match without a fight. But La Salle’s determination held firm, with Josh Magalaman, Glen Ventura and Chris Hernandez delivering the final blows that steered their team to victory.
Ventura led the charge with 17 points, including 16 kills and a block, while Magalaman contributed 13 markers. However, it was Hernandez’s stellar all-around performance that stood out.
The outside hitter racked up 15 points on 14 attacks and one block, while anchoring the defense with six digs and a remarkable 19 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Julian Macam posted 17 points and 17 excellent receptions for the Golden Spikers, but his heroics weren’t enough to secure UST’s third straight trip to the finals in this pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Gboy De Vega added 13 points and 12 digs, while Colinares chipped in 15 markers, six coming off blocks.
Despite four deadlocks and one lead change in the fifth set, La Salle took control at 6-4. Though UST briefly tied the score at 7 with a kill block, the Green Spikers quickly responded with a decisive three-point run, maintaining their grip on the lead en route to victory.
