La Salle-EcoOil proved too powerful for winless Chichi DHTSI, cruising to a swift victory in just 66 minutes with a 25-18, 25-6, 25-20 romp in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday.
It was La Salle’s second consecutive straight-set win in the season-ending tournament, underscoring its overwhelming edge in both manpower and talent.
Fresh off a commanding debut victory over the Martelli Meats Master Butchers, the Green Oilers displayed their depth and firepower, especially in a lopsided second set where they held the Titans to just six points.
La Salle’s ability to rotate through a roster stacked with skilled players kept Chichi DHTSI on the back foot, unable to mount any serious resistance.
While Chichi DHTSI showed some fight in the third set, La Salle’s precise execution allowed them to close out the match efficiently, maintaining its clean slate in the conference organized by Sports Vision.
The Titans absorbed their fifth straight defeat, further.
“Siguro based doon sa first set, sabi ko hindi naman ganun ‘yung laro nila. Bakit hindi nila ipakita. That made them think na dapat ayusin natin,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque following his team’s 19-point beatdown of Chichi DHTSI in the second frame.
Joshua Magalaman put up a game-high 10 points with seven attacks and three blocks to lead La Salle’s charge while Vince Maglinao contributed eight points – all on attacks – in just two sets, while Noel Kampton, Eugene Gloria and Nathaniel Del Pilar each added six points to the Green Oilers’ total.
Eco Adajar orchestrated the team’s plays with 10 excellent sets and added one point.
Throughout the match, La Salle’s potent combination of experience, skill and disciplined execution kept the Titans from gaining any momentum. The Green Oilers demonstrated superior depth, able to rely on a balanced offensive strategy that showcased contributions from multiple players.
Chichi DHTSI team captain Jonathan Sorio and Christian Alicante each contributed six points, but the team was outclassed across the board by La Salle’s aggressive play and tactical depth.
"Happy, though I may say expected," Roque said on their victory. “I made sure na naipaintindi ko sa players na whether kaya namin ‘yung team or hindi, we made sure na we give our best,” added Roque.
La Salle-EcoOil will next face a more formidable challenge against D'Navigators Iloilo on Friday at 2 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena with the match to test the Green Oilers' resolve as they aim to extend their winning streak against a tougher opponent in a tournament supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Meanwhile, Chichi DHTSI braces for yet another difficult encounter as they take on the streaking Savouge on Wednesday at 4 p.m. as the Titans continue to seek their first win of the season.
--//
