The win pushed the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge to a decisive sudden death for the coveted crown set on Friday.
Chris Hernandez led the scoring onslaught for La Salle, while Noel Kampton made a timely return off the bench, energizing the Green Spikers to bounce back from a third-set stumble and seal the match in the fourth.
The victory not only secured momentum but kept the Green Spikers' quest for back-to-back championships alive in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision and presented by Grab.
Hernandez delivered an outstanding performance, firing a game-high 23 points built on 17 attacks, four blocks and two aces. He also showcased his all-around prowess with 19 excellent receptions and five digs.
Meanwhile, Kampton added nine pivotal points in less than two sets, marking his return to action.
“Added reinforcement para sa team and at the same time, kailangan niya pa mag-ano kasi bumalik lang siya yesterday. Hoping na itong remaining two days maka-adjust siya,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque, commenting on Kampton’s return after missing most of the campaign due to national team commitments.
Though aiming for their own sweep, the Green Spikers faced stiff resistance in the fourth set. The Tamaraws rallied, closing the gap to 18-21 after consecutive points, including a Kampton service error and an Amet Bituin block.
However, La Salle stood firm as Bituin committed a costly service fault, followed by a crucial Eco Adajar block on Jerold Talisayan that secured the Green Spikers' win.
“I’m happy. Somehow, ‘yung it paid off lahat ng training and at the same time, ‘yun ‘yung gusto ng team ang manalo. They played their best,” added Roque.
Glen Ventura contributed 12 points for La Salle, all from attacks, while Joshua Magalaman chipped in nine markers. Yoyong Mendoza and Eric Layug also stepped up with seven points each, helping secure the pivotal victory.
Adajar orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets, while team captain Menard Guerrero was a force on defense with 13 digs.
On the other side, Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 18 points from 16 attacks and two blocks. Lirick Mendoza and Talisayan added 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Benny Martinez finished with 18 excellent sets in the losing effort.
