Resurging from a third-set downfall, the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Stallions took a nail-biter in breaking the deuce before denying Altas a title for the fourth year in a row.
A perfectly set up quick play from attacker Adrian Asprec delivered the gold to the Lipa-based squad and sent home their rival, Altas of the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta (UPHSD), 25-19, 25-20, 18-25, 28-26, in the championship match of Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA), held at the Animo Center, Dasmariñas Cavite, Nov. 4.
“Masarap sa feeling na kung iisipin ay four years straight na namin hawak ang number one spot. Masasabi ko lang ay walang impossible basta may teamwork and tiwala kay God. Very proud kasi even the rookies ay nag step-up para maka contribute sa ikapa-panalo ng team.” stated by Primo Rueca, Stallion’s wing attacker
The first two sets were dominated by the Stallions who held their ground and continued their balanced attacks lead by graduating gunners Primo Rueca, Edel Austria and rookies Asprec and Allan Mayuga.
Close to finishing the game, the Stallions defense broke down on the third set which Altas capitalized on and surged a scoring run to which the DLSL failed to recover from, 18-25.
Looking to regain their composure, a head to head matchup was given by the Stallions as they fired attacks through the teeth of the Altas’ defense. As the match proceeded, the squad from Lipa was forced into the deuce situation by the grit of the UPSHD.
From a diving save by Stallion libero Lynbert Abales, and a closed coverage from their defense, Asprec chimed in a quick spike penetrating through the net defense and landing undefended spots. The Stallions thus completed their run for fourth straight SLCUAA championship, 28-26.
On their way to the championship, Stallions took it easy on San Pedro Colleges of Business Administration (SPCBA) after winning 3-0 on the semi-finals yesterday, 25-17, 25-16, 25-11.
