Nerves crept in for De La Salle University late in the third set. But the Green Spikers refused to blink.

They closed out a 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of Arellano University on Saturday, September 5. The win stretched their streak to two straight in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

The victory came at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. Arellano clawed within one point, 16-15, in the decisive third set.

La Salle’s defense tightened at the right moment. The Green Spikers snuffed out the Chiefs’ rally hopes and sealed the match in one hour and 21 minutes.

Ousseini, Ventura Lead La Salle’s Balanced Attack

Cameroonian outside hitter Issa Ousseini put on a show. He finished with 18 points, built on 14 attacks and four blocks.

It marked a strong showing for new head coach Babes Castillo. He watched his squad deliver in his first match back after a trip to Toronto, Canada.

“All the games, whether we win or lose, we’re just trying to make all the systems work,” Castillo said, addressing the youth-heavy roster split evenly between seniors and juniors. “If we know our responsibilities, that will be the common denominator.”

Right-side hitter Rui Ventura kept up his hot form. He added 13 points, including five of the team’s 17 total blocks.

Libero Jules Serrano anchored the back row. He recorded 12 digs and 11 excellent receptions, giving La Salle steady footing throughout the contest.

Dominguito’s Heroics Not Enough for Arellano

CJ Dominguito fought valiantly for the Chiefs. He poured in a team-high 18 points, but it wasn’t enough.

Arellano dropped to an even 2-2 record after back-to-back defeats. The Chiefs now face a tall order against defending champion Far Eastern University on September 13 at 5 p.m., still at the Mandaluyong hub.

La Salle, meanwhile, will look to extend its winning streak to three straight. The Green Spikers take on Colegio de San Juan de Letran (3-1) the next day at noon.