MANILA -- De La Salle University is off to a strong start in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, powering past a gritty Arellano squad in straight sets on Sunday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Green Spikers, bidding for a return to the top after winning the competition in 2023, soared to a 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of the Chiefs.
They had fallen short of back-to-back crowns last year after losing to Far Eastern University in a three-game Finals series.
In the closing stretch, back-to-back quick hits from Issa Ousseini and team captain JJ Rodriguez restored a three-point cushion before a double contact violation on a Daniel Agovida set sealed the win for the Green Spikers.
Issa Ousseini of La Salle in action against Arellano in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 10, 2025 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. PVL Media
Ousseini impressed in his debut for La Salle, finishing with 14 points built on seven attacks, four blocks, and three aces. Wing spikers Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna also contributed 14 points apiece—Gloria with nine spikes, three blocks, and two aces, while Fortuna delivered 13 of his points on attacks.
"At first, medyo ano pa ko, kasi during our training, practice game, they're not too consistent. But seeing this first game, somehow gave me confidence na we can actually do more aside from this game. Plus the fact na 'yung iba hindi pa nakakalaro eh; somehow may nakikita na akong potential for the season ng UAAP. I do hope lahat sila umangat," said head coach Jose Roque, who also led the team to the 2023 title.
Arellano kept the match close in the middle stretches of all three sets, with AC Guinto doing most of the scoring damage. However, La Salle responded with strong finishes anchored by rookie setter Nathaniel Bangit.
Bangit orchestrated the offense with poise, finding Gloria and Fortuna in the first two sets before feeding his middle hitters in the third to close out the match. He finished with 20 excellent sets.
The Green Spikers (1-0) will try to make it two in a row when they face National University on Tuesday at noon in the same venue.
Guinto was the lone double-digit scorer for Arellano (0-2) with 13 points, all on attacks, while captain Jiwen Sinuto added nine spikes. The Chiefs will face NCAA rivals Letran on Sunday at 10 a.m.