The EcoOil La Salle Green Oilers battled through a tough start to secure their fourth consecutive victory, defeating PGJC Navy in a thrilling four-set showdown, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, at the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference in the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.

Vince Maglinao Shines with Stellar 21-Point Game

Vince Maglinao delivered his best performance yet this season, contributing a game-high 21 points and 14 impressive digs, leading the Green Oilers in this high-stakes match. “Happy, though medyo slow start. Pero somehow, nagising din sila after nung first set,” La Salle head coach Jose Roque noted, acknowledging the team’s resilience after an initial stumble. He emphasized the importance of staying alert, saying, “Hindi tayo pwedeng magbigay ng segundo o minuto para makahabol ‘yung kalaban.”

Green Oilers Rally After Dropping First Set

Despite dropping the opening set, La Salle quickly found their rhythm. Maglinao clinched the win by pressuring Navy into a defensive error in Zone 4, securing the victory and solidifying the Green Oilers’ spot near the top of the standings, just behind DN Steel-FEU, which also claimed a hard-fought win earlier in the day.

Navy made a valiant effort to extend the match, saving four match points and capitalizing on La Salle’s initial service errors. Yet Maglinao’s powerful and consistent play kept the Green Oilers ahead, underscoring the team’s progress as they navigate a competitive field. Maglinao noted areas for improvement, particularly in developing team synergy, to maintain momentum. “After every game, we assess what we still need to improve because, in this Spikers’ Turf tournament, our opponents have more experience than we do,” he shared.

Defensive Play Boosts Green Oilers’ Performance

Joshua Magalaman stood out with six blocks in his 14-point effort, while Glen Ventura contributed 14 points from 10 attacks and four blocks. Yoyong Mendoza added nine points, and Noel Kampton scored four, playing a pivotal role in the opening set.

Jericho Adajar, meanwhile, showcased his playmaking ability with 22 excellent sets, while team captain Menard Guerrero added stability with nine digs and 12 receptions, propelling La Salle to third place in the standings. The Invitational Conference, organized by Sports Vision, is supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.

Looking Ahead: Green Oilers to Face Cignal HD Spikers

The Green Oilers face a significant test as they prepare to take on the Cignal HD Spikers on Friday at 6 p.m. Navy, now at 3-3, will aim to recover from back-to-back losses with an upcoming match against the Spin Doctors on Friday at 4 p.m.

The Green Oilers’ rise in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational reflects their growing team synergy, skill, and competitive spirit—traits they hope will carry them further in the tournament as they work to stay among the leaders in this highly competitive field.