De La Salle University overcame a second-set collapse to complete a thrilling 25-21, 27-29, 31-29, 25-21 victory over College of Saint Benilde, clinching its third straight win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Sunday afternoon at the Paco Sports and Events Center in Manila.
After squandering a seven-point, 15-8 lead in the second set, the Green Spikers regained their composure behind the timely heroics of Chris Hernandez, Eugene Gloria, Rui Ventura, and foreign student-athlete Issa Ousseini to prevent another meltdown and stay unbeaten in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
With the win, La Salle joined fellow UAAP title contender University of Santo Tomas at the top of the standings, both carrying flawless 3-0 records.
“Sabi ko nga a while ago, every opponent that we’re facing, talagang wala kami masyado ginagawa na special thing to prepare. It’s just that we’re focusing on how we’re going to become consistent,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.
“A win is a win, though if I may say na hindi ganon kaganda yung performance nila, but I do hope na by next game, we’ll be different,” he added.
In the fourth set, consecutive hits from Hernandez and Ventura, coupled with an attack error by Reymark Betco, gave La Salle a 21-17 cushion that proved pivotal.
A service error by Ousseini and a block by Mark Macagaling cut the lead to 21-19, but back-to-back errors from reigning NCAA MVP Rocky Motol and Alvin Sulayman, followed by a Hernandez crosscourt hit and a running attack from team captain JJ Rodriguez, sealed the win for La Salle.
The third set provided the biggest escape for the Green Spikers, who clawed back from a 21-24 hole. Gloria and Ventura led the charge, helping La Salle fend off five set points, before Ousseini’s block on Motol capped the comeback and handed them a crucial 2-1 set lead.
Hernandez spearheaded La Salle’s charge with a triple-double of 21 points on 19 attacks, 19 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs. Ventura added 17 points on 13 attacks and three blocks, while Ousseini chipped in 12 points. Gloria provided an energetic spark off the bench with 11 points.
The Green Spikers aim to extend their perfect run when they take on NCAA Season 100 runner-up Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Saturday, August 23, still at the Paco Sports and Events Center.
On the other side, Motol registered 19 points on 16 attacks along with 14 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Betco scored 13 points on 12 attacks. Despite their efforts, the Blazers fell to 0-2 in the tournament.
Benilde will try to bounce back against a surging Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles squad on Sunday, August 24.
