La Salle overcomes Letran to open title defense

De La Salle University kicked off its title-retention campaign in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge with a hard-fought victory, overcoming deficits in the last two sets to clinch a 25-19, 27-25, 28-26 win against a tough Colegio de San Juan de Letran side at the Paco Arena in Manila Sunday.

The Green Spikers demonstrated remarkable resolve, rallying from two points down in the second frame and battling back from a 21-24 deficit in the third set in a comeback that highlighted their determination and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Chris Hernandez led La Salle with 14 points, including 11 attacks, two aces, and a block, while team captain Menard Guerrero anchored the defense with 15 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

“Kailangan i-defend yung title namin, pero hindi ‘yon yung tinutukan namin. Sinasabi ko lang, whoever yung katapat nila, make sure na they respect them, kasi third-ranked din sa NCAA yan,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque.

Facing a 21-24 deficit in the third set, the Green Spikers unleashed a decisive 7-2 run to frustrate the Knights, with Hernandez sealing the victory following a miscue from Letran’s Steven Sta. Maria.

Similar to their comeback in the third set, the Green Spikers also rallied from a 22-24 deficit in the second frame, clinching the set with a 5-1 blitz.

“Medyo nag-lapsed, in a way, noong second and third sets kasi unang-una, feeling ko masyado sila na-overwhelm doon sa first set, hindi masyado na-control yung bola, at the same time, sobrang gigil na,” Roque added.

La Salle comfortably took the first set, leading by as many as nine points at 19-10, on their way to a six-point win.

Vince Himzon scored 14 points for the Knights, while Steven Sta. Maria added nine markers.