Author: Patrick Quintero

Halftime thoughts: There’s more to sports, not just Men’s Basketball

There is no team quite like the DLSU Green Archers, and nothing compares to the ecstasy felt when the University’s basketball team wins in the UAAP. The team has given La Salle nine championships, the most recent of which was in the 2016-2017 season, and has remained as a top contender in the league.

The Green Archers has made La Salle a household name, and is the other half of a sports rivalry known across the country. With all the spotlight put on the men’s basketball team, it is inevitable that the other sporting teams from La Salle would be shrouded in the dark.

In the morning of November 20, a day before the Green Archer’s do-or-die match against FEU, University Chancellor Br. Bernie Oca FSC announced that students watching the game live will be excused from their classes. The Help Desk Announcement stated that students who do not have examinations or any required output on the afternoon of the following day were “encouraged to watch and support the Men’s Basketball Team” in the Araneta Coliseum.

While students rejoiced with the news, it slipped from a lot of people’s minds that on the same day, the Lady Archers also had a do-or-die game against the UST Golden Tigresses. A week after, the Green, Lady Tracksters also competed in their respective tournament. However, in both occasions there were no signs of support from the University administration.

The Men’s Basketball team truly is the pride and joy of the Lasallian community, arguably followed by the DLSU Lady Spikers. This comes as no surprise since many consider basketball as the primary sport in the country, and Filipinos are known for their passion for it. That, however, does not excuse our failure to support our other sports teams.

While the Green Archers have enjoyed success throughout the years and have represented the University nationwide, it may be mistaken that they completely embody La Salle sports. However, it does not suffice to entirely define what the Animo truly is.

If the University should endorse the Green Archers, it is only right that it encourages the Lasallian community, especially its students, to watch and support the other La Salle teams as well. These teams work equally as hard—maybe even harder—as the Men’s Basketball team. Hundreds of our student athletes don’t train day-in and day-out, sacrifice time with friends and family, and balance their sport with academics only to go unnoticed by the name they’ve chosen to represent on the front of their jerseys.

Lack of support for other sports is also evident on the national level. Earlier this year, Olympian Hidilyn Diaz lamented how Philippine athletes have continued to give their all, but the lack of decent training facilities has hindered their potential. Meanwhile, the government provides unimpeded support for Gilas Pilipinas, going through all the trouble of bringing in different naturalized players for the country.

I’m not saying that the situation in La Salle is the same with that of national sports. However, the common denominator remains: other sports also need attention.

As the second semester of the UAAP unfolds and as the bid for the UAAP General Championship continues, our various teams will need continual support from the Lasallian community. It is easy to get swayed by what is continually seen in media, however, let us not forget the hundreds of other athletes that bleed and sweat for the Green-and-White.

January 18, 2019
Sagun releases apology for Gonzales impeachment case three years prior

Three years after filing an impeachment case for gross negligence of duty against former University Student Government (USG) Vice President for External Affairs Mae Mae Gonzales, Norben “Bim” Sagun Jr. released a public apology addressed to the former and her previous office yesterday, July 7.

Sagun filed the complaint against Gonzales and former USG Executive Treasurer Rupert Laurel after the non-receipt of his balance from a scholarship grant awarded to him by a USG program during AY 2014-2015. Sagun, first place winner of the Lasallian Exchange Scholarship Grant, only received P15,000, which was half of his grant.

The USG Judiciary, then, unanimously ruled Gonzales guilty of gross negligence of duty. However, the Judiciary also explained in its court opinion “that there was no substantial evidence presented that would merit the impeachment or disbarment of Ms. Gonzales from office and that would raise the established gross negligence as severe.”

Sagun’s apology is as follows:

“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Michelle Mae Mae B. Gonzales and all the officers under her during her incumbency as the Vice President for External Affairs during AY 2014-15, and under her ticket when she ran for the University Student Government presidency for AY 2015-16, who were adversely affected with my acts and statements, which I gave to The LaSallian, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, and Archers Network, published online.

In enforcing my rights which I believe I am entitled to, the statements I gave were one-sided and a result of misapprehension of facts and failure and refusal on my part to hear their side despite their effort to reach out to me.

All allegations against her brought up online that were not related to my complaint are baseless.

I am grateful for Mae Mae for giving me a second chance to hear her side and resolve [the] issue between us.”

Read more here:

Impeachment case stirs up Special Elections

Impeachment case filed vs Gonzales, Laurel to push through on grounds of gross negligence

Judiciary rules Gonzales guilty of gross negligence of duty

Gonzales breaks silence on allegations and trial proceedings, holds press con

July 8, 2018
CLA President Watanabe suspended after Judiciary ruling on absences

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) College President Aya Watanabe is faced with a one-week suspension, following an impeachment hearing held earlier today at the University Student Government (USG) office.

Watanabe was initially on trial for impeachment on grounds of gross negligence after incurring five unexcused absences in the Activities Assembly (AA). However, after the defense presented evidence and a witness, the plaintiff–Frances Lim–and the defendants decided on a settlement instead.

In addition to the one-week suspension, Watanabe was mandated by the judiciary to submit a public apology to the judiciary, to be published through campus newspapers, as well as through the USG and Arts College Government (ACG) Facebook pages.

The settlement reached was a result of the plaintiff’s request. Anton Rafael Mariano, Lim’s counsel, said that “the plaintiff thinks this could be salvageable through a settlement,” referring to the case. Her reason: Watanabe’s offense was not severe. According to Mariano, “I really do agree with her [plaintiff’s] sentiments. Because this case, even though it was about breach of obligations, they are not very absolute because it’s minor breach of obligations. It’s a failure to submit an official document within a given time period.”

On Watanabe’s absences

As stated in the USG Code of Conduct and Responsibilities, “USG Elected officers are entitled to unlimited number of excused late and absences from the meetings” with reasons restricted to health, academic, and practicum concerns under Article IV, Section 3.6.

However, all officers are limited to three unexcused absences for the entire academic year. In turn, officers are required to submit an excuse letter to the Office of the Executive Secretary (OSEC) two working days after the officer’s absence for it to be valid. An impeachment case may be filed against an officer who exceeds the maximum number of unexcused absences.

Watanabe accumulated a total of five absences, three of which she claimed were excused. Watanabe reveals the reasons behind her excused absences. “The first one for January 22 was because of a meeting [I attended] for an upcoming ACG project. For January 29, it was because of sickness. For February 12, I had to attend a conference in Ateneo,” she explains.

She also clarified that her two unexcused absences last October 13, 2017 and February 26, 2018 were both due to time restrictions. “I wasn’t able to get there [at the meeting] on time because I live in Antipolo,” she discloses.

In clarification of her late submission of excuse letters, Watanabe admits that it was her fault as she was “under the impression that it was not needed at that time yet.” Moreover, warnings were not given to Watanabe about the matter which caused the reported absences to accumulate.

Void evidence

Prior to the hearing, both sides were given until June 13 to submit all pertinent documents and evidence. Watanabe, however, requested the deadline to be extended until June 14, which the Judiciary granted to both parties.

Watanabe and her party, however, were unable to comply with the deadline, passing her documents on June 17. On the other hand, Anton Rafael Mariano, representing Lim, submitted on June 14. With this, the Magistrates voted 4-3 to void Watanabe’s documents and evidence.

The Magistrates then allowed the defense to procure new evidence and bring up a witness. A screenshot of a message showing OSEC Patricia Andulte’s acceptance of Watanabe’s excuse letters was presented.

Plaintiff’s side

During the trial, Lim was unavailable because of personal reasons. However, Mariano was able to clarify the reasons behind filing the case. According to him, the plaintiff decided to do it out of duty. As a part of the judiciary department, it is their job to make sure all rules are being followed. “Given that there was a breach, no one was filing it, Frances Lim saw it to herself to file a complaint against Watanabe,” he says.

In avoidance

Watanabe claims that the incident gave her a sense of direction as to what she would do and it also served as a reminder for her about the responsibilities now that this is her last term as the College President of CLA.

In regard to her failure in submitting documents on time, she shares that it served as a reminder for her to be more mindful of her duties which include submitting excuse letters according to schedule.

June 18, 2018
Former Green Archers stabbed outside BGC night club

Former Green Archer Jeron Teng, along with former teammates Thomas Torres and Norbert Torres, was stabbed during an altercation outside Early Night? Club in Bonifacio Global City earlier this morning, June 3, as initially reported by Tiebreaker Times.

Teng, who now plays for the PBA’s Alaska Aces, was reportedly stabbed in the back with a knife, while the other two were slashed in their arms. All three are reportedly in stable condition and will be able to recover from their injuries. Teng and N. Torres, who plays for Rain or Shine, both played in games on Saturday night before the incident.

The confrontation between the suspects and the former Green Archers happened at around 2:30 in the morning, when the the latter were walking in the parking lot outside of the bar. Police identified three suspects: Edmar Manalo, Joseph Varona, and Willard Basil. All three of whom have been arrested.

Teng and T. Torres both graduated from the team in 2016, after two titles. They later joined the PBA Draft in October 2017, getting drafted to the Alaska Aces and the Star Hotshots, respectively. Meanwhile, N. Torres, who was part of the 2013 championship team, finished his UAAP career in 2015.

June 3, 2018
The plague of equanimity

Equanimity, the state of psychological stability and composure, is the center point of the work of Dr. William Osler, Aequnamitas. It provides a clear definition for the role of a physician, who is required to have an equal mind and soul, as the term suggests. However, until what extent are doctors obligated to display Aequanimitas?

A few weeks back, a medical student took his own life. This has been the second case in less than a year, and this isn’t even scratching the surface of mental issue in the medical world.

Data suggests that suicide is prevalent with those that undertake medicine, with physicians more likely to commit suicide than any other profession. To put it in perspective, although various literature have the actual number different, around 400 physicians kill themselves every year.

This may seem startling, but upon further dissection, one will realize how this epidemic actually is plausible—and it begins sooner than most people think. A systematic review estimates that the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students was 27.2 percent while that of suicidal ideation was 11.1 percent. Across 17 countries, the prevalence of suicidal ideation only stands at 9.2 percent.

The journey to attain the title of M.D. affixed to your name is a long and perilous one; for years of studying and training dehumanizes the student for the sake of serving humanity. It serves to weed out the lackluster from the resilient and the faint from the exemplary.

Consider this: One has to survive term-long books shoved down in a week, topped with series upon series of examinations. Couple that with the gravity of being in a room with the most brilliant minds in the country, in addition to all the existing pressure outside the classroom, then you have the recipe for “a disaster waiting to happen,” as licensed physician Dr. Jose Carlos Tayag describes it.

From here on out, only the best is expected from aspiring doctors. After all, they are eventually tasked to save people’s lives. They are trained to become callous to adversity and undisturbed by emotion and pain that would drive the average person crazy. However, this ascension of the student to the role of the highly exalted physician also spells their downfall.

There exists a certain “messiah complex” among doctors. Given the fact that they hold their patients’ lives in their hands, people—as well as the physician— would often see them as some sort of savior. Besides, is there any profession where people willingly place their lives on your hands? Although this misconception is inevitable, Dr. Tayag explains that “the first pitfall of most doctors is you forget that you do not control the fate of one person.”

Saving a person’s life may be uplifting for the physician, as it is their responsibility to do so and, in turn, they accomplish their noblesse oblige. However, the flip side becomes more drastic when they fail. It is common to see physicians beat themselves up over failing to do their responsibility, “If I did this or that, I could have saved them.”

This immense frustration brought upon by failure could become fatal for the physician. After spending years being placed with high esteem for their excellence, it begins to weigh heavily. If not addressed properly, it may cause enough stress to make the physician take the easy way out. “You equate your value as a person with what you do,” Dr. Elis Maghirang explains.

It is paradoxical that, given all the exponential advancements in technology, the prevalence of both depression and suicide continues to gradually increase. More so, how can we address the issue of doctors being put on pedestals, as deities that can heal, when the system requires them to be so and the practice in itself, beginning all the way from pre-medicine, gives one power over another person’s life?

The story of the physician resembles similarities to the Greek myth of Icarus, who fell in love with the idea of becoming a god. It is unavoidable that once you fly too close to the sun, you will eventually fall.

March 31, 2018
Green Journal: Michelle Cobb has arrived

“Siguro, it’s a different kind of pressure.” Michelle Cobb sits on a bench in the Enrique Razon Sports Complex, a day after the Lady Spikers’ win against UE. A year after being put in the line-up for the first time, everything feels different for Cobb; A greater role, an increased level of skill, and, not to mention, thousands of fans. This early in her career, the 19-year old has put the world on her shoulder as she assumed the responsibility of the Lady Spikers’ new starting setter. The LaSallian caught up with Cobb to break it all down, in her own words.

On closing out against the Lady Maroons

Disclaimer: ‘Di ko tinignan yung score, ‘di ko alam na 24-23 when I served. Akala ko 20-23 so sabi ko, “Okay, magseserve lang ako, bahala na kayo diyan.” But [in my mind] I was like, “Papasok ko ‘to.” Syempre ‘pag [I commit the error], crucial error talaga yun. Pero ‘di ko talaga in-expect na 23 na pala yung score namin, so feel ko factor din yun, kasi walang pressure, like ‘di ako nabigatan masyado. Kaya I was like, nung sinabi nila, “Grabe, nung nagseserve ka parang wala lang,” sabi ko, “Weh?” Tapos ayun, siguro I got my rhythm lang noon, kasi diba composed ako kasi I didn’t really mind the score. So I got my rhythm nung naka-service ace ako, tapos ayun, tuloy-tuloy na. As in, relax lang talaga ako noon and feel ko naging factor ‘yun na composed ako, na alam ko gagawin ko.

Becoming DLSU’s starting setter

It’s not being inconsistent na and being effective as a setter. My goal for this season is to fully embrace my role. Hindi na ako matatakot kasi nandito ako, naka-salang na ako. Unlike before, parang sobrang baba ng tingin ko sa sarili ko dati. Ngayon, I’m over it. I’m here, this is my chance to prove myself. I want to prove to everyone na I can stand on my own, that I have a thing on my own. Pero sa sarili ko, I want to prove to myself that I can embrace this role.

I expected na there will be a lot of comparisons, from the start palang. Hindi ko naman sila masisisi kasi sobrang memorable nung pinalitan ko [Kim Fajardo]. So they can say whatever they want, kasi they have a right to say what they think. ‘Di rin naman magiging smooth yung transition.

What I focused on during the offseason

I can’t really compare it to season kasi iba e, ngayon parang lahat na. Before kasi, I was setting certain plays lang, pero ngayon lahat incorporated. So I can’t really tell na may isa akong finocus on kasi lahat—defense, service, blocking, set plays, combination plays—lahat, nag-incorporate na siya. Kasi, as a main setter, if I were to compare myself being the second setter, iba. Sobrang iba.

Yeah, kasi malakas naman katawan namin, conditioned kami. Pero before, noong mga tune-up games, coach would say “Bakit ganyan kayo gumalaw? Conditioned katawan niyo, pero kulang yung isip ninyo.” So yun, more on [the] mental [aspect]. Did my improvement from last season surprise me?

Of course, yeah. Siguro kasi pinukpok talaga ako [during the] offseason. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged. Like the past October to February, as in, sinagad ako sa comfort zone ko and I feel like yung ganoong challenges, they define you as a player. So thankful ako na pinush ako ni coach out of my comfort zone and pushed me to my limits.

Kasi syempre ako yung bago sa first six, so yung five na yun, they’ve played before as a team, so sa akin palagi yung criticisms. Pero looking back, siguro naging close-minded ako kasi, [I thought] “Ano ba yan, bakit ako palagi pinapagalitan?” Pero ngayon, naisip ko na dapat lang pala, kasi it’s going to test me, it’s going to test my character.

Biggest challenge

Marami eh, one would be being consistent. Siguro yung pinakachallenge ko is mindset. Kasi diba, mahirap if kalaban mo sarili mo? Pinakamahirap yun. So feel ko ako yung magiging mahirap na kalaban ko kasi, syempre lalo na sa upcoming big games, ikaw na yun eh, parang, how do I say this? Like last time, noong NU game, ako talaga yun. Sarili ko talaga nagpatalo sa akin so I had to overcome that and feel ko yun nga yung magiging challenge sa akin, kasi as time passes by, makakaadjust yung mga teams eh, they got to see na how the teams play.

March 15, 2018
UAAP: Lady Spikers prevail over archrival ADMU in four sets

Following a devastating loss against the AdU Lady Falcons last weekend, the DLSU Lady Spikers managed to bounce back with a win against the ADMU Lady Eagles, 25-20, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20. The victory gives La Salle a 5-2 record, tying with FEU midway through the season.

“Coming into this game, we just remembered who we are and kung ano yung kailangan namin, that is to win,” commented Kim Dy who led DLSU with 21 points 11 attacks, seven blocks, and three service aces.

Exciting start

The Lady Spikers opened the first set with a scoring barrage by way of spikes and service aces due to a collective effort by the starters. ADMU tried to trim the lead multiple times but it was too late as the set would end with Baron converting the set point from a quick attack, 25-20.

The Lady Eagles, through their defense, sought to get back in the match after losing the first set. Errors from the team, however, served no good for La Salle as it only added to ADMU’s leverage to open the set, 8-5.

With Ateneo leading, 9-6, a crosscourt kill from Baron instigated four straight points from the Green-and-White to regain the lead. A smart play from Deanna Wong cut La Salle’s run short, but the Lady Spikers eventually responded with a 10-0 run to pull away from their archrivals.

Ogunsanya, who finished with 10 points, showed effectiveness on both sides of the court, as an attack and several blocks were vital in her team’s scoring run. In addition, Desiree Cheng converted three consecutive service aces to increase her team’s momentum.

With their backs against the wall, the Lady Eagles played aggressive as they continued to breakthrough the defense of the Lady Spikers. La Salle would trail by as much nine points when ADMU hit the 21 point mark via a spike kill by Tolentino.

The Green-and-White would then go on an incredible 10 point run to tie the game at 21, wherein several errors by the Lady Eagles and spike and block points were converted by Baron, Tiamzon, and Dy including two consecutive aces by Cheng.

ADMU would remain unfazed, however, as a spike kill by Tolentino took the momentum back, as ADMU claimed the third set, and prevented DLSU from making a comeback and sweeping the match.

“Nakita ko yung determination nila makahabol, pero ‘yun lang, medyo kinapos pa rin sa dulo,” said head coach Ramil de Jesus following the win over their archrivals.

Closing out

Although the Lady Spikers failed to secure a straight-set win, the Lasallians maintained composure and stayed aggressive on both ends of the court. Consecutive attacks from opposite hitter Dy gave DLSU an early three-point lead into the fourth frame. However, errors and net touch violations kept Ateneo in striking distance.

The offensive efforts of Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag compensated the effective scoring of DLSU until a five to nothing run midway through the set kept La Salle afloat. ADMU tried to retaliate by being consistent in their offense while the Lasallians continue to commit costly errors. As a result, the team from Katipunan trimmed the deficit to three, 22-19.

Finally, a kill from Tiamzon and a block from Dy against Tolentino gave La Salle match point. But a service error from last year’s rookie of the year, Samonte, denied ADMU’s hopes of a deciding set.

As of press time, the schedule of the second round of the tournament has not yet been announced.

The scores:

DLSU (3) – Dy 21, Tiamzon 13, Cheng 11, Baron 10, Ogunsanya 10, Cobb 6, Saga 1

ADMU (1) – Maraguinot 13, Tolentino 12, De Leon 11, Madayag 10, Samonte 7, Wong 2

March 3, 2018
UAAP: Lady Spikers succumb to AdU in four sets

The DLSU Lady Spikers dropped their second game of the season as they lost to the AdU Lady Falcons in four sets earlier today at the FilOil Flying V Centre,18-25, 25-15, 19-25, 22-25. In the losing effort, Majoy Baron provided La Salle with 13 points on eight attacks and four service aces. Meanwhile, Desiree Cheng added 10 points as well two service aces.

On the other hand, AdU’s Eli Soyud brought the Lady Falcons to victory as she contributed a game-high of 18 points on 13 attacks. With La Salle’s loss, the team now has a 4-2 win-loss record.

Even start

The matchup showed to be lopsided early on, as the Lady Falcons overwhelmed DLSU with its net and floor defense. The Lady Spikers’ movement on defense, on the other hand, was contrasting to AdU’s.

The latter grabbed the lead in the first set, 14-9, following a four-point scoring run. AdU never looked back as key attacks from Soyud and Mary Joy Dacoron were enough to give the Lady Falcons the first set, 25-18

In the second set, the continuous bad receptions of the Lady Falcons haunted them all throughout the set. Despite scoring the first two points, AdU failed to keep its opponents in check as the Lady Spikers went on a 7-1 run with the help of Aduke Ogunsanya’s quick attacks.

The second set did not come easy for La Salle, however, as the Lady Falcons forced numerous errors by the Lasallians. Nonetheless, with the back-to-back service aces of Baron, and the constant errors that AdU committed, DLSU went on an 8-1 run to secure the second set.

AdU takes over

DLSU sought to ride off its momentum, after winning the previous set. Both teams closely fought to begin the third, until a kill from Ogunsanya with AdU leading, 9-7, instigated an attacking onslaught from the Lady Spikers.

Halfway through the third set, Cheng converted consecutive points in multiple occasions for La Salle. This rubbed off on her teammates, whose scoring gave DLSU a four point lead, 17-13. The Lady Falcons, however, were not to be denied.

Trailing, AdU scored six straight points, two of which were La Salle’s errors, to regain the lead 19-17. While DLSU attempted to prevent the comeback, Lady Falcons Jema Galanza and Dacoron were too much for the Lady Spikers as AdU went on to claim the crucial set, 25-19.

Although the Lady Falcons were determined to close out the Lasallians, DLSU did not go down without a fight. A couple of kills from May Luna and a service error from AdU provided an 8-5 lead for La Salle.

However, Mylene Paat exploded for six consecutive points on four spikes and two blocks to take the lead. The Lady Falcons sparked an 8-1 run midway through the set which started from a Dacoron block. It resulted to a seven-point deficit for the Lady Spikers, 10-17.

La Salle then tried to answer back through the efforts of Baron and Tin Tiamzon. However, errors became a problem once again for the Green-and-White which built up AdU’s lead. A short 3-0 run from Tiamzon and Dy, though, trimmed the lead to four but Dacoron and Soyud placed Adamson in match point through attacks of their own. Finally, a kill from veteran Lady Falcon, Galanza, sealed the game in favor of AdU, 22-25.

The Lady Spikers will face their archrivals, the ADMU Lady Eagles on Saturday, March 3, at 4 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The scores

DLSU (84) – Baron 13, Cheng 10, Ogunsanya 9, Tiamzon 9, Dy 8, Luna 4, Layug 3, Cobb 1, Saga 0

AdU (90) – Soyud 18, Paat 15, Dacoron 15, Galanza 10, Permentilla 4, Emnas 1

February 24, 2018
UAAP: Green Spikers fend off AdU, improve to 3-3

The DLSU Green Spikers notched a second consecutive victory, defeating the AdU Soaring Falcons, 25-20, 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, earlier today at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The win equalizes the team’s standing, pushing La Salle to a 3-3 win-loss card near the midpoint of the season.

Arjay Onia led La Salle with 22 points off of 22 spikes while Paolo Pablico bannered AdU with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks.

Starting off strong

It was a tight matchup from the get-go as La Salle headed into the first technical timeout of the first set with a slim 8-7 lead. Afterwards, with both teams tied at 10-all, a kill by Cris Dumago and two blocks by Delos Reyes gave DLSU a three-point lead.

Although the Green Spikers were more aggressive offensively, it also caused problems for the team as multiple errors, mostly unforced, allowed the Soaring Falcons to keep the game close. AdU, however, just wasn’t able to keep up as La Salle ran away with the first set, 25-20.

Delos Reyes started the second set with back-to-back blocks, giving La Salle an early advantage. This was followed by a three-point run, courtesy of another block by Delos Reyes and two unforced errors by AdU, which extended the lead to four points.

The Green-and-White would maintain the lead as a result of Woo, who finished with 19 points, leading the way by notching seven attack points in the second.

Sealing off the win

With their backs against the wall, trailing two sets to none, AdU fought back to force a fourth set. Their woes did not cease as the Green Spikers continued to commit fatal errors, opening the third set with two.

The tight matchup ensued, but La Salle neared match-point as three kills from Onia capped off a 5-1 run for the Spikers. This was negated, however, as a crucial service error from Dumago, which led to four more points from AdU, allowed a fourth set.

The fourth set began with both teams scoring back-and-forth. The Soaring Falcons would gain an early advantage over the Green Spikers after the first technical timeout, however, when Onia and Dumago committed three consecutive attacking errors. DLSU would not give up, though, as it remained within striking distance before the second technical timeout.

Following the intermission, La Salle would take the lead behind a five-point run which was caused by three unintentional mistakes by AdU. Dumago would claim the match point, 25-22, after his spike kill.

The scores:

DLSU 99 – Onia 22, Woo 19, Dumago 16, Delis Reyes 11, Reyes 7, Maravilla 4, Marco 3

AdU 83 – Pablico 16, Yude 13, Bello 9, Miranda 6, Alvarez 4, Amburgo 2, Labang 2, Jimenez 1

February 24, 2018
UAAP: Second half surge wields La Salle to 2-0 victory over AdU

The DLSU Men’s Football team blanked the AdU Soaring Falcons, 2-0, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, after two second half goals. With the victory, La Salle records its second straight win to begin its season.

Christian Zubiri, off an assist from Noel Brago, gave his team its first goal at the 72nd minute, after a goalless first half for both clubs. This was shortly followed by a second goal courtesy of Marcus Garcia just two minutes after the first.

Both teams began aggressively, as La Salle challenged Adamson’s defense early on throughout the first half, only to be contained by the stellar efforts of AdU goalkeeper Carl Viray. DLSU attempted to convert multiple scoring attempts into goals early on, however, their lackluster finishing prevented them from doing so.

Head coach Hans Peter-Smit attributes the lack of attack to his team falling short of intensity in the early stages of the match. “Our plays were there, our passes were there, but it seems that as soon as we receive the ball on top, they tend to slow down,” he mentioned.

Conversely, AdU had its fair share of opportunities at the goal, but La Salle’s defensive end prevented the Falcons from grabbing an early lead.

Following the first half, the Lasallians increased the ante on both sides of the pitch, creating more opportunities on offense while breaking down Adamson’s defense. Tension began to escalate quickly after AdU’s Ricardo Ortinez was awarded a yellow card in the 60th minute of the game.

La Salle finally gained the lead after Zubiri converted a goal from the right flank at the 72’ mark. Garcia followed up with a goal of his own two minutes after, as the midfielder scored inside the box, extending the La Salle lead to two, 2-0.

Smit was not impressed by his team’s performance albeit the dominating second half. “We were doing well in the defense and the midfield, but, especially for the starters, they just softened up, they slowed down in the attacking.”

With the ADMU Blue Eagles up next in La Salle’s schedule, the team will look for ways to improve as they face their archrivals. “We’ll play the same way we practice for,” Smit asserted. “Now what we have to do is work on this. I consider this as a bad game, knowing what the team could do.”

The DLSU Men’s Football team will try for their third straight victory when they face ADMU this Thursday, February 15, 4 pm at the same venue.

February 11, 2018