La Salle’s strength was unwavering in a grueling five-set win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87 which pushed both teams to the brink.
Collegiate rivalries are often the source of inspired play between athletes in a heated match against their familiar competitor, and nothing is more classic than Ateneo-La Salle when it comes to the UAAP.
On Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the DLSU Green Spikers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles forged one of the best chapters of their storied rivalry in men’s volleyball as they hung on for a back-and-forth, grueling five set match that saw the final canto extend to 27 points.
Usually only up to 15 points, both teams exchanged point after point as the game dragged on into the deep water, 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 27-25.
Neither team wanted to give an inch.
According to La Salle’s Noel Kampton, who is also coincidentally celebrating his birthday, said that it was all about getting into the Final Four.
“Hindi lang yung rivalry ng Ateneo-La Salle yung binebase namin ngayon eh. Yung bine-base namin is kung paano kami makakapasok sa Final Four. Ateneo-La Salle, antagal nang rivalry 'yan. Pero kami iniisip namin, it’s not about rivalry. It’s about kung paano kami makakapasok sa Final Four,” said Kampton, who finished with 27 points in the win.
Kampton was left in awe of the determination from both teams. For him, the game could’ve gone either way. But Lady Luck shined on La Salle this time around.
“Speechless ako. Sa buong career ko, ngayon lang ako nakalaro ng ganitong intense na laban. Ayaw din magpatalo ng Ateneo,” he said.
“Pero 'yun nga, that’s the beauty of sports, isa lang ang mananalo talaga so Thank God, kami yung nakatsamba kami na panalo," he added.
Still, it wasn’t just Kampton who showed the way for La Salle. Vince Maglinao also ended up contributing big, especially in the fourth set to force the fifth set decider.
For him, it was always the constant reminder of the coaches that, no matter who they face, they will always play for the name that is sprawled on the front.
“Pag Ateneo-La Salle game, laging big deal yan. It’s all about the school pride, and lalo na nung fifth set, wala na talagang gustong bumigay. Sinabi lang samin ni coach noon na, ilaban niyo lang. Pride niyo ng school. Para sa school,” said Maglinao, who finished with 22 points and 20 excellent receptions.
“Kasi ayun nga, every time na maglalaro kami, yun yung palaging nireremind sa amin ni coach na play for the team. Play for the name of La Salle.”
At the moment, both the Green Spikers and the Blue Eagles are level at 6-4, tied at second place in the standings.