De La Salle University secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge with a commanding sweep of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, winning 25-20, 25-19, 25-19 on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Green Spikers surged to third place with a 4-2 win-loss record, bringing Far Eastern University along with them into the last four.
With Perpetual breathing down their necks, De La Salle unleashed a closing run that culminated in Yoyong Mendoza's cross-court kill.
"I told them to just play their best. Ayoko namang i-pressure sila ng 'do-or-die' o 'need this;' hindi na ganun ang approach ko. Kumbaga, laruin niyo lang kasi napag-aralan na natin 'yung gagawin natin," said acting head coach Jose Roque.
Mendoza finished with 17 points to lead De La Salle's march to the postseason, all coming from successful attacks. Captain JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Jefferson Marapoc chipped in with 12 points to keep the Altas in the match, but De La Salle's defense effectively contained ace player Louie Ramirez, who managed only eight markers.
