The Smart Araneta Coliseum was electric last Sunday as UAAP fans witnessed an unforgettable showdown. With emotions soaring and stakes sky-high, the DLSU Green Spikers dug deep and delivered under pressure—securing the final ticket to the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Final Four and dashing Ateneo’s playoff hopes in the process.
Let’s dive into how La Salle pulled off the win, what this means for the semis, and why this year’s Final Four is a déjà vu.
The Green Spikers’ Grit: A Five-Set Epic vs. UP
If you’re a fan of drama, edge-of-your-seat rallies, and fiery comebacks, this one had it all. La Salle and the UP Fighting Maroons went toe-to-toe in a rollercoaster five-set battle: 11-25, 25-18, 25-21, 28-30, 15-9.
Yes, you read that right—La Salle lost the first set in brutal fashion. But instead of folding, they did what seasoned teams do: they regrouped, refocused, and responded with flair.
Kampton Comes Up Clutch
Noel Kampton, the silent storm of Taft, was sensational. With 24 big points (22 sheer smashes and two blocks), he was the glue that held La Salle’s offense together. Rui Ventura wasn’t far behind with 16 points and a commanding presence at the net, while Nath del Pilar chipped in 11 points to strengthen the middle.
Yet, credit where credit’s due—UP didn’t go quietly.
Led by the relentless Olayemi Raheem’s 25-point explosion and Dan Nicolas’ clutch-hitting, the Fighting Maroons clawed their way to a fifth set, forcing La Salle to dig deep once more.
But Kampton had the final word—firing an off-the-block kill that sealed the deal and sent the La Salle faithful into a frenzy.
Final Four Cast: Familiar Faces, Fresh Fire
With DLSU locking in the last Final Four spot, here’s how the semis landscape looks:
- 🥇 Far Eastern University (FEU): 12-1
- 🥈 National University (NU): 11-2
- 🥉 University of Santo Tomas (UST): 8-4
- 🏅 De La Salle University (DLSU): 8-4
Yep, it’s the same elite pack as last year—and the year before that too. The top-four order may shuffle, but the faces remain the same. Call it a dynasty quartet or a collegiate Big Four—these squads continue to raise the bar season after season.
Bulldogs Clinch Crucial Twice-to-Beat Edge
Earlier that day, the National University Bulldogs made a statement of their own, sweeping Ateneo de Manila in straight sets: 30-28, 25-23, 25-16.
NU’s frontman Buds Buddin was in beast mode—dropping 15 points powered by 10 attacks, three monster blocks, and a pair of aces. With the win, NU secures that precious twice-to-beat advantage for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Ateneo, now out of Final Four contention, was led by Kennedy Batas’ 12 points. It’s back to the drawing board for the Blue Eagles, who couldn’t find a way to crack the top four this season.
What’s Next? All Eyes on the Semis
Think the regular season was intense? The semi-finals are shaping up to be even hotter—especially with FEU and NU sitting pretty at the top and holding the advantage.
La Salle and UST, both with identical records, will need to dig even deeper and maybe pull off a surprise or two. Will experience carry them? Or will talent and grit shift the tide?
Whatever happens, fans can expect fireworks. If this past weekend was any indication, the best is still to come.
Final Thoughts: Same Teams, New Stories
Three years running, the Final Four cast remains unchanged—but the stories? Entirely different each season. La Salle barely made it this time but showed they’ve got the fight and flair to go far. NU and FEU look formidable, while UST remains a consistent powerhouse.
So if you’re a volleyball junkie or a proud supporter of your school—strap in. We’re in for a rollercoaster run to the championship. One thing’s clear: in UAAP men’s volleyball, there are no easy wins, only high-stakes thrillers.
Stay tuned. The real battle begins now. 🏐🔥
Looking for more UAAP volleyball updates and behind-the-scenes stories? Make sure to bookmark Panaad Stadium for your U-turn into the heart of university sports action!