Fuelled by their victory against the FEU Tamaraws in their second Spikers’ Turf’ quarterfinal match last Monday, the DLSU Green Spikers will aim for a second consecutive win as they clash against the top seeded NU Bulldogs this Wednesday, August 26, at 5pm in the San Juan Arena.
The Bulldogs, who have yet to lose a match in the entire tournament, will look to secure one of the semifinal slots with only a couple of games left before the next round.
In their most recent match, the Green Spikers had bounced back from their loss against the NCBA Wildcats as they defeated the FEU Tamaraws in three sets, 25-20, 27-25, 25-11. La Salle got the lead early in the first two sets, but the Tamaraws stayed within striking distance for most of the game. It was the Green Spikers, however, who prevailed in the end.
DLSU setter Geuel Asia, who provided the team with 26 excellent sets and one service ace, was adjudged the Player of the Game. Arjay Onia, who has been one of DLSU’s best players in the tournament, headed the team’s offense, scoring 15 points off 11 attacks, three service aces, and one block.
NU has, likewise, won their preceding game against the CSB Blazers in a four-set match, 22-25, 25-18, 28-26, 28-26. The Bulldogs had the early advantage in the first set, but the Blazers caught up with NU at 20-all, eventually winning the set. NU retaliated by taking the next three sets to secure their seventh victory in as many games in the Spikers’ Turf. Madzian Gampong led NU with 18 attacks and three blocks, scoring a game-high 21 points. Bryan Bagunas also chipped in 14 points to help secure the win.
Expected to spearhead DLSU are Onia and team captain Raymark Woo, both of whom have been consistently contributing to the team throughout the conference. Meanwhile, Gampong and Bagunas will lead the charge for the Bulldogs.
The match between La Salle and NU will be the final game of the Wednesday triple header. Prior to that match, FEU will play against UP and CSB will face NCBA at 1pm and 3pm, respectively.
