La Salle-EcoOil scored an expected romp over winless Martelli Meats, kicking off its campaign in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference with a decisive 25-21, 25-20, 25-13 victory at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday.
Powered by a deeper, well-rounded lineup, the Green Oilers made quick work of the winless Master Butchers, displaying a commanding blend of power, precision and an imposing net defense that overwhelmed their opponents in just 69 minutes.
After feeling out Martelli Meats in the first two sets, La Salle-EcoOil stepped on the gas in the third, crushing the Master Butchers with high-octane attacks and a defense that stifled Martelli’s scoring opportunities.
Coach Jose Roque’s team looked composed and well-prepared, a testament to their bolstered roster, which now features reinforcements Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao. Both players missed key portions of La Salle's runner-up campaign in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, but in their return, they immediately made their presence felt.
Kampton scored 12 points, including 11 from blistering attacks, while also adding eight excellent receptions.
Maglinao, on the other hand, showed no signs of rust, contributing 11 points alongside teammate Josh Magalaman, who matched his tally.
Roque emphasized the importance of communication as his team works to integrate the new players seamlessly into the system that brought them to the V-League finals and netted them a spot in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
“So far okay naman dahil nadagdagan kami. Na-reinforce kami ni Noel (Kampton) saka ni Vince (Maglinao), though ngayon pa lang sila halos nagbe-blend doon sa sistema na dinesign ko with the V-League roster,” said Roque.
“Somehow nakakahabol na sila, kailangan pa siguro mag-sync in sa gusto naming mangyari as a team nung previously na ginawa namin sa V-League,” he added.
Setter Eco Adajar orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets, while captain Menard Guerrero anchored the defense with nine excellent receptions and seven digs.
With their multi-faceted lineup, the Green Oilers have the depth and skill to be a serious title contender, particularly against less-experienced teams like Martelli Meats.
La Salle-EcoOil looks to continue its momentum and further refine its team chemistry when it faces another winless rival in Chichi DHTSI on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
The Master Butchers, struggling to find their rhythm and facing a manpower deficit against the Green Oilers’ versatile roster, fell to their third straight defeat.
Razzel Palisoc led Martelli’s attack with 10 points, while Andrei Bundoc chipped in seven markers, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Green Oilers’ potent attack and staunch defense.
Martelli Meats, on the other hand, will face another tough challenge against powerhouse Cignal on Wednesday, a team eager to bounce back after a five-set upset loss to the surprisingly tough Savouge Spin Doctors.
