After missing the team’s campaign in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, Vince Maglinao is eager to make his mark as La Salle-EcoOil’s outside hitter in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Maglinao, along with fellow senior Nathaniel Del Pilar, had to sit out during La Salle's run in the collegiate tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The Green Spikers were initially set to participate in an Under-23 tilt, designed to help their younger players gain valuable experience ahead of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
However, the competition was ultimately canceled, leaving the coaching staff with no choice but to proceed with the same roster for the V-League, with Maglinao and Del Pilar on the sidelines.
“Siguro mas finocus ni coach ‘yung mga younger ones nung time nung V-League kasi supposedly dapat under-23 ‘yung league na sasalihan kaso na-cancel, so ayun nag V-League and nag-stick na lang sa lineup na ‘yun,” Maglinao explained.
But now, Maglinao is back, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time.
On Sunday night, he delivered his best performance yet in the Spikers' Turf Invitational, leading La Salle to a thrilling 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 victory over PGJC-Navy.
Maglinao racked up 21 points and showcased his defensive skills with 14 excellent digs, helping the Green Oilers remain unbeaten after four matches, climbing to second place in the standings.
“I’m happy, of course. More than ‘yung pagiging player of the game, syempre nanalo kami. Looking forward pa rin sa mga learnings na makukuha namin all throughout the Spikers’ Turf,” Maglinao shared after the match.
His passion for the game is evident in his words. “Syempre happy na kasama ko ulit sila. Komportable ako sa kanila. Looking forward lang talaga ako na maglaro,” he added, reflecting the excitement of reuniting with his teammates on the court.
Now back in the lineup, Maglinao has his sights set on leading La Salle to a semifinals berth. After finishing with a silver medal in the V-League, the Green Oilers are looking to build on their momentum and aim for a podium finish in the Spikers’ Turf.
“Syempre gusto namin maka-podium finish. Syempre una ‘yung Final Four malaking morale-booster ‘yun sa’min kasi ‘yung mga kalaban namin dito mga club teams, mas may experience sa’min. Magiging morale-booster ‘yun sa’min,” Maglinao said.
