La Salle-EcoOil’s campaign in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference began with the promise of glory but ended as a sobering reminder of the challenges of consistency. The Green Oilers dazzled in their opening stretch, only to see their momentum slip away as the tournament wore on.
Fueled by an explosive start, the Green Oilers seemed destined for the semifinals. They racked up four consecutive wins, including commanding victories over Martelli Meats, Chichi DHTSI, and D’Navigators Iloilo, establishing themselves as one of the early favorites. Their high-octane performance hinted at a deep tournament run, but the road to success proved anything but smooth.
Midway through the preliminaries, La Salle found themselves running on fumes. The team dropped four straight matches, losing to eventual semifinalists Cignal, FEU-DN Steel, Criss Cross, and Savouge. Those losses derailed their semifinal hopes and left them reeling, their 4-4 record ultimately not enough to secure a top-four spot.
Despite the early exit, Green Oilers head coach Jose Roque struck an optimistic tone, underscoring the value of the experience as the team shifts its focus to the upcoming UAAP season.
“Somehow disappointing in a sense na ‘di kami nakapasok sa Final Four, pero hoping na with all our losses eh may natutunan kami. Lahat ‘yun dadalhin namin preparing for the UAAP,” Roque shared.
Roque emphasized that the tournament offered critical insights into the team’s vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
“Ah maganda [na nakita na namin]. Gaya ng sabi ko, mangyari na lahat ngayon, ‘wag lang pagdating ng UAAP. So somehow, pwede mong sabihin on a positive side na at least marami kaming natutunan. Panglawa, ‘yung learnings namin, ma-carry over namin sa UAAP,” he added.
One key factor in La Salle’s campaign was the return of senior players Noel Kampton, Vince Maglinao, and Nathaniel Del Pilar. Their reintegration posed a unique challenge, as the team had to recalibrate its chemistry mid-tournament. The trio had been absent during La Salle’s silver-medal finish in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, leaving the team with little time to adjust.
“Tingin ko somehow ‘yung bonding mismo ng team eh. ‘Yung chemistry kailangan ma-improve since naglaro na ‘yung mga seniors, medyo nagkakapaan pa sila Noel [Kampton], Vince [Maglinao], at Nath [Del Pilar] with the setters so medyo gamayan pa,” Roque explained.
The adjustment period exposed gaps in communication and connection within the squad—issues Roque believes can be resolved with more time together on the court.
“Siguro ano lang, more on communication, hindi kasi halos naguusap pagdating sa game eh. So siguro ‘yun nga, dahil tagal din nilang ‘di nakasama ‘yung team eh so siguro more time to build ‘yung connection nila,” he said after their final match, a morale-boosting victory over VNS.
While the Green Oilers’ Spikers’ Turf campaign ended in disappointment, the lessons learned could serve as a launchpad for success in the UAAP. With the return of their veteran core and the clarity gained from their struggles, La Salle is gearing up to make a stronger, more united push in the collegiate league.
As the team moves forward, Roque and his squad are determined to channel their setbacks into growth. The Green Oilers’ roller-coaster ride may not have led to a championship, but it has set the stage for their next act—one they hope will end in triumph.
