La Salle’s Noel Kampton tries to score against Adamson in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle leaned on Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo to bolster its Final Four bid with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-20, win over Adamson in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Kampton led 15 points, nailing 14 of his 23 attack attempts as the Green Spikers climbed to 4-2 good for fourth place.
Ronquillo nailed 12 attacks and two blocks to finish with 14 points, while BJ Anima chipped in 11 points to beat the Falcons in just 75 minutes.
“Adamson is a winless team but they are more eager to get the win so we really prepared for one week against them. If we relax against them they will beat us,” said Kampton in Filipino, speaking for La Salle coach Arnold Laniog, who didn’t attend the post-game interview. “In my first season, the competition is really tough because all the teams don’t want to lose. There are a lot of super rookies and every team has its own.”
The Falcons held a one-point lead in the second set, 17-16, but Kampton conspired with Ronquillo to regain the lead and take a two-set advantage.
Dual-sport athlete Ben Phillips, who is also part of the La Salle men’s basketball team, also made his volleyball debut late in the third and nailed a quick attack that gave his team a 21-17 advantage.
La Salle will face unbeaten defending champion National University (6-0) on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Adamson dropped to 0-6 with Francis Casas leading the way with 12 points, 10 excellent receptions, and five digs, while Jude Aguilar added 10 points.