De La Salle-EcoOil celebrates a point against VNS in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 1, 2024 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL MediaMANILA -- De La Salle-EcoOil salvaged a fifth place finish in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference after sweeping VNS, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18, on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
It was a consolation prize for the Green Oilers, who opened the tournament with four straight wins but then dropped their next four assignments to miss out on the Final 4.
"Sabi ko mag-enjoy na lang. Somehow disappointing in a sense na ‘di kami nakapasok sa Final Four, pero hoping na with all our losses eh may natutunan kami," said La Salle coach Jose Roque.
The Green Oilers finished tied with Navy with identical 5-4 win-loss records, but they took the No. 5 spot thanks to a superior set ratio.
Eugene Gloria stepped up in the absence of Noel Kampton, leading the Green Oilers with 13 points, all from attacks.
Vince Maglinao added 11 points, while Yoyong Mendoza contributed eight markers for the Green Oilers, who showed a balanced offense, with Eric Layug and Joshua Rodriguez each scoring six points.
For VNS, CJ Segui stood out with 16 points and nine excellent receptions, while Kenneth Daynata added nine markers.
Despite their efforts, the Griffins ended their campaign in seventh place with a 3-6 record.