De La Salle University finally put one over arch rival Ateneo, scoring a 25-21, 25-21, 25-21 victory to force a rubber match for the other finals seat in the 2023 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge on Friday at Paco Arena.
The surprising straight-set win not only ended the Blue Eagles’ five-match win run, the last two against the Green Spikers, but it also revived the latter’s hopes for a crack at the championship.
Noel Kampton scattered 26 points on 23 attacks, one block and two aces in the action-packed, one-hour-30-minute match to go with 17 excellent receptions while former captain Vince Maglinao started in the game and produced 15 markers.
"Gaya lang ng nabanggit ko sa team kanina bago kami nag-start ng game, sinabi ko na, let's try to extend it, baka sakaling meron pa," said La Salle coach Jose Roque. "Sobrang importante nito for the team na makabangon.”
Amil Pacinio took charge for the Blue Eagles, who, however, struggled with their service reception, leading to five De La Salle aces.
La Salle and Ateneo dispute the last finals berth on Sunday.
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