MANILA — De La Salle University broke through into the win column, taking down Mapua University in four sets, 21–25, 25–23, 25–18, 25–20, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
After losing in straight sets to the National University Bulldogs last week, the Green Spikers finally gifted their new coaching staff its first victory after nearly a month of working together.
"We have been with the team for almost a month, and we have been making adjustments with the system of play. We're also introducing some combinations and taking out some," said first assistant coach Godfrey Okumu.
"Also, we didn't have much time playing together as a team, just scrimmages. So, these (games) gave us a training ground," added the 2018 PVL Collegiate Challenge champion coach with the University of the Philippines.
After absorbing the first-set loss, La Salle used its second-set escape as fuel and never looked back, with captain and converted outside hitter Issa Ousseini making an impact on both ends of the court.
The skipper finished with 23 points on 17 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace, while also tallying 14 excellent receptions.
Rui Ventura added 16 markers, most of which came in crucial moments whenever the Cardinals threatened to make a run. Meanwhile, Eugene Gloria delivered a steady two-way performance with seven points, four digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
The Green Spikers, now 1–1, will rekindle their rivalry with the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers (0–2) on Sunday, August 30, at 5 p.m.
Patrick Reyes once again carried the fight for Mapua, finishing with 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks, while captain Ar-Jay Ramos shook off an injury scare in the second set and returned to finish with 12 markers.
The Cardinals slipped to 0–2 and will try to get back on track when they face the 2–1 Bulldogs earlier that same day at 3 p.m.