La Salle survives Benilde in four sets to stay unbeaten in V-League Collegiate Challenge

0Shares

De La Salle University overcame a tense second-set collapse to defeat College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 27-29, 31-29, 25-21, on Sunday at the Paco Sports and Events Center in Manila, securing its third straight victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

The Green Spikers, who squandered a 15-8 advantage in the second frame, found their composure in the succeeding sets. Led by Chris Hernandez, Eugene Gloria, Rui Ventura, and foreign student-athlete Issa Ousseini, La Salle avoided another late scare and kept its unbeaten record intact in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision. The win tied them with University of Santo Tomas at the top of the standings, both holding 3-0 slates.

Chris Hernandez delivers a triple-double performance to lead La Salle past Benilde. [PVL Images]

Hernandez powers La Salle comeback

Hernandez delivered a stellar all-around performance, finishing with a triple-double of 21 points, 19 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs. He spearheaded La Salle’s third-set comeback from a 21-24 deficit, fending off five set points with the help of Ventura and Gloria before Ousseini’s block on NCAA MVP Rocky Motol sealed the frame. Ventura added 17 points, Ousseini had 12, while Gloria provided an energetic spark off the bench with 11.

Head coach Jose Roque acknowledged his team’s grit but noted areas for improvement. “Every opponent we face, we don’t do anything special to prepare. We’re just focusing on consistency,” Roque said. “A win is a win, though if I may say hindi ganon kaganda yung performance nila. I do hope na by next game, we’ll be different.”

La Salle stays perfect, Benilde seeks first win

In the decisive fourth set, back-to-back hits from Hernandez and Ventura, coupled with costly errors from Benilde, gave La Salle enough cushion to finish strong. Team captain JJ Rodriguez delivered the final blow with a running attack that sealed the win.

For Benilde, Motol led with 19 points, 14 receptions, and seven digs, while Reymark Betco scored 13 points. Despite their efforts, the Blazers slipped to 0-2.

La Salle will attempt to extend its winning streak against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on August 23, while Benilde aims to bounce back against Ateneo de Manila University on August 24.