Far Eastern University and University of the East kicked off their 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship campaigns with dominant victories on Friday.
The Lady Tamaraws delivered a resounding sweep against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags, 25-14, 25-19, 25-20, while the Lady Warriors overcame a slow start to secure a 24-26, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14 win over the Lyceum Lady Pirates at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
FEU’s rookie standout Clarisse Loresco made an immediate impact, working alongside seniors Alyzza Devosora and Kyle Pendon, who recorded seven points apiece, to seal the victory in just one hour and 27 minutes, despite facing some tense moments in the third set.
The 18-year-old middle blocker racked up nine points, four of which came in the decisive third frame.
Loresco’s quick attack late in the set halted a Lady Stags comeback and pushed FEU to match point.
“Masaya po ako na maganda ang nilaro ko and thankful kay Coach Tina (Salak) for giving me the opportunity na maipakita ko yung laro ko in today’s game,” said Loresco, a former FEU-Diliman standout.
The Lady Tamaraws’ focus now shifts to the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals, where they will face the UST Growling Tigresses in a best-of-three series starting Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
On the other hand, the Lady Warriors, also competing in both the SSL and V-League, will battle the Lady Blazers for bronze in the V-League on Sunday as well.
(C) SSL
Jelai Gajero shone for the Lady Warriors, proving her recovery from a torn ACL sustained last year.
Gajero dropped 20 points against Lyceum, with Riza Nogales adding 15 points.
Casiey Dongallo played only in the first two sets.
FEU and San Sebastian are both in Pool D of this Shakey’s Super League, which is supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R & B Milk Tea, and Summit Water, along with Adamson and Benilde.
The Lady Stags were led by Katherine Santos, who contributed nine points, while Divine Garcia and Juna Gonzales chipped in five each.
The Lady Pirates, competing in Pool B alongside UST, Perpetual Help, and Mapua, were paced by Johna Dolorito with 10 points.
Janeth Tulang and Stacey Lopez also made solid contributions, scoring eight points each.
This year’s tournament is further supported by partners Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and SM Tickets.
