De La Salle Overcomes UP in Crucial Four-Set Victory

De La Salle University bounced back in style, defeating the University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 26-24, to stay in contention for a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Final Four race at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.

After a four-game winning streak was snapped in their previous outing, the Green Spikers regained their rhythm, improving to 5-5. This victory tied them with Ateneo for fourth place and gave them crucial separation from UP, who now sits two games behind at 3-7.

“Before this game, sabi ko hindi pa naman huli ang lahat, we have five more games. Isa-isahin natin. Hindi pa naman tapos ang season, kung saan man tayo palarin, that’s it. Pero until meron pa tayong haharapin, we have to fight back,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque.

The Green Spikers secured the win in four sets after fending off a strong comeback attempt from UP in the extended fourth frame.

UP had built a 19-16 lead in the fourth set, with Olayemi Raheem spearheading the charge. However, La Salle refused to let the match go to a deciding fifth set. Yoyong Mendoza, Eugene Gloria, and Issa Ousseini took turns delivering clutch hits to tie the match at 23-all. Ousseini then gave the Green Spikers their first match point with a crucial block on Tommy Castrodes.

Raheem answered for UP, but La Salle quickly capitalized on a mistake. Milven Francisco had a chance to equalize but misfired, sending his dump attempt wide. This gave La Salle a second match point at 25-24. Ousseini sealed the victory with a service ace, ending the match after two hours and eight minutes.

Ousseini led the Green Spikers with 17 points, including 13 attacks, three blocks, and the decisive ace. Mendoza also contributed 17 points along with 10 excellent digs, while Eugene Gloria added 15 points, 13 receptions, and seven digs. Chris Hernandez chipped in 11 points.

For UP, Raheem was again the standout player, tallying 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Abram Robles supported him with 12 points.

The loss dropped UP to sixth place, significantly dimming their hopes of advancing to the Final Four.

Both teams now have a long break before returning to action on April 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. La Salle will face league leaders Far Eastern University, while UP will take on Ateneo de Manila University.