La Salle retains esports title hopes with xavi8k's return

De La Salle University aims to retain its title in the upcoming UAAP Esports Valorant Tournament, which resumes on Wednesday at Gateway 2 in Quezon City.

Xavier Juan, known as xavi8k and formerly La Salle's head coach, will return as a player after regaining his amateur status, while Aaron Sablay marked his return with back-to-back MVP performances, leading La Salle to an emphatic opening-day sweep of National University, 13-3, 13-4.

Juan rejoins a team that was undefeated last season and won the inaugural UAAP Valorant championship; Sablay's heroics helped secure the victory, with an average of 16.5 kills and 3.5 assists across both games.

Aron Orlando, former UP's Valorant tactician, takes over as La Salle's new head coach for this year's tournament, praising his team's flawless start while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

La Salle competes in Group A alongside National University, Ateneo, and University of the East, with archrivals Ateneo and La Salle set to clash for Group A supremacy on Friday.