Ronquillo, Kampton power Green Spiker past Falcons

MANILA, Philippines -- La Salle's one-two punch of JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton could not be contained as the Green Spikers swept the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 25-22, 25-23, 26-24, in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball opener Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The two La Salle stars combined for 37 points.

Kampton led the Green Spikers with 19 markers, 15 of which coming from attacks, two from blocks and two service aces.

Ronquillo, for his part, had 16 attack points, a block and an ace.

Adamson looked primed to extend the game to a fourth set after taking a slim 22-21 lead off a block by Jude Aguilar.

Ronquillo then finished on an attack off two blockers to tie the game anew.
The two teams figured in ties at the 23rd and 24th points.

After Mark Coguimbal and Vince Maglinao exchanged crucial points, Billie Jean Anima gave La Salle a much-needed 25-24 lead.

And on match point, Kampton hit a massive attack over defenders that went out.

Officials then ruled that the ball was touched on the way out, which gave the win to La Salle.

Joel Menor spearheaded Adamson with 12 points. Mark Kenneth Paulino and John Eugenio Gay added 11 and 10 markers apiece, respectively.

The Green Spikers will try to win its second game against FEU on Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, Adamson will take on UP next Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.