La Salle Green Spikers. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Vince Maglinao and Noel Kampton joined hands to boost La Salle’s Final Four bid with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-18 victory over the also-ran University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Philsports Arena.
Vince Maglinao led the Green Spikers with 17 points built on 13 attacks and four blocks to go with nine digs and six excellent receptions, while Kampton chipped in 16 points on an efficient attacking percentage, nailing 15 of his 22 spike attempts.
La Salle rose to joint third place tying the skidding Far Eastern University with identical 6-2 records behind semifinals-bound teams National University (11-0) and University of Santo Tomas (10-1).
“We’re happy with the win. We got a good result because we were able to apply what we did in training,” said Maglinao in Filipino after bouncing back from a loss to UST before the Holy Week break.
JM Ronquillo struggled with six points but Joshua Rodriguez also stepped up with seven markers, while Paul Serrano dished out 18 excellent sets.
La Salle coach Arnold Laniog got the better of UP coach Rald Ricafort, who is his head coach in the PLDT, completing a season sweep of the Fighting Maroons.
“We have a great connection in PLDT but when it comes to La Salle-UP game, we’re professionals. He has his own system, I have my own tactics for my team,” said Laniog, who works as Ricafort’s deputy in the Premier Volleyball League.
After a much-needed win, Laniog stressed that they have to be wary of their last three games in the elimination starting on Wednesday against Adamson.
“We’ll take it one game at a time. One rally at a time. We have to work hard for every rally to win a set until we win the game,” he said.”We have to take care of business even if we’re facing [also-ran] teams.”
UP slid to 1-10 with Ranz Cajolo leading the way with 12 points.