De La Salle University is now a step away from sweet revenge.
The Green Spikers moved on the cusp of avenging last year’s heartbreaking Finals defeat to Far Eastern University, storming past the Tamaraws in Game 1 of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge best-of-three Finals, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
With the sweep, La Salle is a win away from reclaiming the crown and capturing its second title in three years when the series shifts to the Dasmariñas Arena for Game 2 on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Down by one late in the third set at 20-21, the Green Spikers turned to Conference MVP Emman Hernandez and head coach Jose Roque’s tactical gamble to close the door on the defending champions.
After Eugene Gloria equalized the frame at 21-all, Roque sent in setter NJ Bangit and opposite hitter MJ Fortuna, who immediately delivered. Bangit set up Fortuna for two crucial attacks, including the hit that put La Salle at match point.
FEU saved one match point, but Hernandez hammered down his 12th point of the game to finish the job in just one hour and 27 minutes.
"Prepared lang 'yung team: physically, mentally, emotionally, isama mo na rin spiritually, sobrang prepared ng team," said Roque, who previously steered the Green Spikers to the 2023 championship run alongside Noel Kampton, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Manglinao.
"Actually, wala akong masabi eh, sila na nang-initiate nung gusto nila. So, I may say, good job boys. Yun lang masasabi ko talaga."
Gloria anchored La Salle’s balanced attack with 12 points while also contributing on defense with eight digs and 13 excellent receptions. Ventura likewise tallied 12 markers built on 11 well-timed kills that fended off FEU’s late pushes.
Roque, however, reminded his team not to relax against the defending champions.
"We just have to be more consistent. The pressure is already there, because we're one win away. Of course, respect to FEU, they're going to come back. So, 'yung mindset na knowing the tendencies na pwedeng gawin ng FEU, we have to deal with it," he said.
The Tamaraws showed flashes of their championship pedigree, with Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza leading the charge in stretches.
But La Salle had answers at every turn, with Gloria and Ventura sealing the sweep in the end.
Saavedra finished with a game-high 15 points, while Mendoza added nine markers on eight attacks and a block.
