La Salle, Ateneo earn sweeps in V-League Men’s Collegiate action

De La Salle University began its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign with a dominant 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of Arellano University on Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The 2023 champions showcased their depth, wrapping up the win in just 83 minutes. Rookie Issa Ousseini and wing spikers Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna each scored 14 points, while setter Nathaniel Bangit orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets.

“At first, I was a bit unsure because during training and practice games, they weren’t too consistent,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque. “But seeing this first game somehow gave me confidence that we can actually do more. Some of our players haven’t even played yet, so I’m already seeing potential for the UAAP season. I just hope they all step up.”

Arellano stayed competitive behind AC Guinto’s 13 markers but couldn’t match La Salle’s strong finish in each set.

Later in the day, Ateneo de Manila University bounced back from a Saturday loss to University of Santo Tomas with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Opposite hitter Amil Pacinio powered the Blue Eagles with 19 points, delivering clutch hits down the stretch. Setter Eijra Taluban and captain Jian Salarzon added key plays, while Ateneo’s defense and net presence proved decisive with an 11-2 blocking edge.

“From that short span of time, the players followed the game plan we gave them,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan. “Maybe only about 30 percent at first, but now they’re starting to get more comfortable with specific instructions. It’s good to see them actually execute the game plan today.”

Letran’s Lorenz Vicente and Max Lopez scored six markers each in the loss.