Quezon city: De La Salle University defeated University of the East, 27-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-17, to end a four-game slump in the UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday. Chris Hernandez delivered 17 points, nine receptions, and five digs as La Salle joined second game loser Adamson University in fifth place at 1-4. Eugene Gloria chipped in 15 points, eight digs, and seven receptions while Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini also had 15 points on nine attacks, four blocks, and two aces. La Salle played without injured libero Win Retiro for a fourth straight match.
According to Philippines News Agency, Green Spikers coach Jose Roque emphasized the importance of filling gaps in their gameplay. 'As I mentioned to the team, [our record] does not mean we are down by four. We really need to work on what needs to be filled, we will fill them so we can win this game,' Roque said. 'We're really just working. Whether it's a three-set loss, four sets, or five sets, whatever we need to fill, we'll fill it. We're still learning what adjustments to make, and at the same time, encouraging them that we have to play better than the last game,' he added.
Raquim Aceron finished with 30 points (27 attacks, two aces, and one block) and 21 excellent receptions for UE, which fell to the bottom of the eight-team field with a 1-5 slate. CJ Nabora had 11 points, while Isaiah Roca and Xjhann Camaymayan added eight and seven points, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas rolled to its fourth straight win at the expense of Adamson University, 25-16, 25-20, 25-22. Josh Yba±ez had 15 points and 13 receptions, while JJ Macam contributed 12 points and 11 receptions for UST, which shares second place with defending champion National University at 4-1. 'We have tougher matches ahead. At least, we're 4-1 now. Performance-wise, there were a lot of shortcomings today,' Golden Spikers coach Odjie Mamon said. 'I listed three things before the match, it seems like only one was checked there. Our serve targeting, none -- our system defense, lots of lapses today. Hopefully, in our next matches, we will fulfill our objectives,' he added. Far Eastern University leads the pack at 5-0.
