De La Salle University completed a sweep of the preliminary round of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after surviving the University of Santo Tomas in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, on Monday, September 29, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

The Green Spikers leaned on Rui Ventura and Eugene Gloria down the stretch to fend off UST’s late rally. Ventura delivered the kill that gave La Salle breathing room at 13-9 in the deciding set, before Gloria sealed the deal with a backrow hit.

Ousseini, Ventura and Gloria power La Salle’s sweep

Top-seeded La Salle (7-0) rode the efforts of its balanced attack, led by Issa Ousseini’s 20 points built on 13 kills and seven blocks. Ventura, coming off the bench, provided a spark with 18 points, while Gloria turned in an all-around performance with 17 attacks, seven digs, and 16 receptions.

Head coach Jose Roque admitted the sweep was far from perfect but praised his team’s improvement. “We have to really focus on solidarity and consistency. May mga lapses pa rin, pero ang importante ay mas better kami kaysa sa last games,” Roque said.

Ybañez keeps UST in the fight

Returning from national team duty, Josh Ybañez kept the Golden Spikers within striking distance. He sparked a fourth-set comeback with key saves that led to transition points from GBoy De Vega. Ybañez tallied 13 points on 11 attacks, one block, and one ace, while De Vega and Trevor Valera added 12 each.

But UST’s 34 errors haunted them at crucial stages, allowing La Salle to capitalize and maintain control in the fifth set. With the loss, UST (5-2) settled for second and will face defending champion FEU (4-3) in the other semifinal.

La Salle, meanwhile, heads into its Final Four clash against Ateneo (4-3) on Wednesday, aiming to sustain its unbeaten run into the finals.