DE LA SALLE University returned to its winning ways after sweeping Adamson University, 25-21, 25-18, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 85 men's volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Sunday.
The Soaring Falcons enjoyed a one-point lead midway through the second, 17-16, but Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo linked up for a powerful finish for a 2-0 set lead, 25-18.
With Adamson just within three late in the third, 19-22, Ronquillo came through with a crosscourt kill followed by an attack error of Falcon Marc Paulino but quickly bounced back with an off-the-block kill, 20-24. Then, Green Spikers captain Vince Maglinao sealed the win with a hit.
"Yung Adamson kasi diba wala pang win? But sinabi namin na dahil wala silang panalo, mas eager sila na talunin kami so nagprepare talaga kami," said Kampton, who led De La Salle with 15 points on 14-of-23 attacks to go with five digs.
The Green Spikers strengthened their hold of the fourth spot at 4-2 while the Soaring Falcons stayed winless in six games.
Ronquillo was just behind Kampton with 14 points, middle blocker Billie Anima added 11 points of his own, while Maglinao had 10.
Dual sport athlete Ben Phillips also made his debut in volleyball and the middle block made an impact, scoring on a quick kill in the third set to give De La Salle the needed buffer at 21-17.
Francis Casas carried the fight for the Soaring Falcons with 12 points on eight spikes, three blocks, and an ace along with 10 excellent receptions and five digs. Jude Aguilar produced 10 points as well.
De La Salle will look to match third-running Far Eastern University's 5-2 record at the end of the first round when it faces National University on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Watch the game live on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 HD). Available on Prepaid Loads 300 & up (valid for 30 days) or you can watch your favorite match-ups.
UAAP Season 85 Boys Volleyball Individual Awards
Season MVP - Eugenio Gloria (NUNS)
Best Libero - Edriel Alavar (FEU-D)
1st Best Outside Spiker - Andrie Delicano (FEU-D)
2nd Best Outside Spiker - Jan Macam (UE)
Best Opposite Hitter - Amet Bituin (FEU-D)
1st Best Middle Blocker - Herbert Egger (NUNS)
2nd Best Middle Blocker - Patrick Lardizabal (UST)
Best Setter - Jeffe Gallego (NUNS)
Rookie of the Year - Herbert Egger (NUNS)