EcoOil La Salle flaunted its rising potential as a powerhouse team with another commanding victory, defeating D’Navigators Iloilo, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
Despite being a collegiate team, the Green Oilers have demonstrated remarkable consistency and strength, securing their third consecutive win without dropping a single set. This performance has highlighted their strong contention for the championship title, a feat that would be impressive for a college squad competing against seasoned players and teams.
The Green Oilers’ dominant start to the season also includes victories over the Martelli Meats Master Butchers and the Chichi DHTSI Titans, establishing themselves as a team to watch.
“Happy sa panalo although sabihin natin na may lapses pero nandoon pa rin ‘yung confidence and trust ko sa kanila,” said EcoOil La Salle head coach Jose Roque after steering the Green Oilers to a 3-0 start to stay behind unbeaten joint leaders Savouge and DN Steel FEU.
The Green Oilers broke away from a tight 11-10 count in the third set with Noel Kampton, MJ Fortuna and Nathaniel Del Pilar taking charge in a decisive 9-2 run that padded their lead to eight points on their way to the one-hour and 27-minute victory.
Kampton has been a standout player, earning game honors for the third time in a row with 14 points built on 12 attacks and eight excellent receptions. He attributes their early success to rigorous preparations, emphasizing the importance of hard work and strategic planning.
“It was a close fight but we prepared for them,” he said, highlighting the Green Oilers' focus on pre-game routines and study of their opponents.
Fortuna added nine markers while Vince Maglinao contributed eight points in a two-set stint.
The Green Oilers initially struggled to find their rhythm but quickly adapted, underscoring their ability to rise to the challenge while showcasing their tactical flexibility.
With Roque at the helm, La Salle has shown the ability to make crucial in-game adjustments, a skill essential for deep tournament runs.
Roque’s strategic rotation has also been crucial in maintaining the team’s energy and health, especially with the intensity of the league’s schedule. Giving playing time to his bench players has allowed starters to recover while ensuring the team remains competitive.
This approach not only keeps players fresh but also builds depth, allowing the team to rely on a wider roster in high-stakes moments.
"Each game, we make it a priority to involve our other players,” said Kampton. “It’s important for us starters to get some recovery time, and we trust our teammates to step up and maintain our intensity on the court."
The loss was the D’Navigators’ fourth straight after barely surviving the Titans in five sets last Oct. 16 as they dropped to joint seventh with the VNS Griffins.
Last year’s Invitational Conference MVP Vince Himzon paced the D’Navigators with 11 points while Rash Nursiddik and Steven Sta. Maria added six points apiece.
Both teams will be back on Sunday with La Salle-EcoOil colliding with PGJC Navy at 4 p.m. and the D’Navigators Iloilo clashing with Cignal at 6 p.m.
