De La Salle University continued its impressive run in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, defeating arch-rival Ateneo, 25-21, 31-29, 25-19, to annex its fourth consecutive win at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday, Aug. 18.

Rui Ventura led the Green Spikers with 16 points, including 14 attacks and two blocks, while Eugene Gloria added 13 points on 12 attacks and one block, helping De La Salle maintain its unbeaten streak and strengthen its title-retention campaign in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Despite Ateneo’s strong effort, particularly in the second set where the Blue Eagles battled back from a 12-16 deficit to take a 25-24 lead, the Green Spikers’ resilience shone through.

Key plays from Joshua Magalaman and Yuri Ventura helped the Green Spikers secure the set and the match, overcoming some errors in their performance.

La Salle head coach Jose Roque acknowledged the challenges they faced, saying: “I’m sure prepared yung Ateneo with us ‘no, pero ganon pa ‘man, may mga lapses kami na-encounter. Siguro, it’s more on kailangan talaga namin daanan yung ganong mga lapses ‘eh.”

In the first set, De La Salle broke away from a 19-all count to secure a four-point victory, showing its ability to close out tight sets.

Roque emphasized the importance of staying focused until the end.

“May mga times kasi na super overwhelmed ang team, siguro I keep them reminded lang na kailangan hanggang hindi tapos yung set, tapusin niyo,” he said.

The Green Spikers will look to continue their winning streak as they face the Far Eastern University Tams on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.

For Ateneo, Jian Salarzon scored 15 points and recorded seven excellent receptions, while Kennedy Batas added nine markers.

The Blue Eagles, who fell to 1-3, will aim to end their three-game losing streak against the UAAP defending champions, National University Bulldogs, also on Sunday at 5 p.m.