De La Salle University outlasted University of Santo Tomas in a gripping semifinal clash, 26-28, 25-19, 25-20, 21-25, 15-13, securing a spot in the finals of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship on Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Spikers leaned on Shevana Laput and Angel Canino during the intense fifth set, overcoming the Golden Tigresses to advance to the championship round and pursue their title dreams after a runner-up finish in the league’s inaugural season two years ago.
With an unblemished 8-0 record, La Salle now awaits the semifinal winner between National University, aiming for a three-peat, and unbeaten Far Eastern University.
The championship series will be a best-of-three, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R&B Milk Tea, and Summit Water. NU and FEU will compete for the last finals slot on Saturday, with Game 1 of the finals set for November 22.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Laput, the 2023 National Invitationals MVP, shone with 19 points, four of which came in the final set. Her back-to-back hits provided crucial momentum for La Salle late in the match.
“I just knew I had to step up. I had to be there for my team and be that reliable player for them. I hope that it showed on the court and that my team will continue to rely on me and see me as an Ate for them,” shared Laput, who contributed 15 attack points, two aces, and two kill blocks.
UST made a late push in the deciding frame, cutting La Salle’s lead to 11-10 after trailing by three.
Laput responded with a forceful kill, giving La Salle breathing room before matching Angge Poyos’ powerful spike with one of her own.
Canino then pushed La Salle to match point with a well-executed combination play, 14-11.
UST fought back with an off-the-block hit from Poyos, followed by La Salle’s 40th error of the night, to save two match points.
However, Canino ended the suspense, delivering a deep shot that landed in an undefended backrow area, sealing La Salle’s win and avenging their defeat to UST in the UAAP Season 86 Final Four six months prior.
“I know that it was a team effort. It’s always a team effort and not just one person who finishes the points and gets the MVP of the match. All of us are MVPs right now,” Laput added.
Canino finished with 17 points, highlighted by 16 kills, while Amie Provido anchored La Salle’s defense with four kill blocks in a 12-point performance.
UST will now vie for third place in a one-game showdown against the loser of the other semifinal.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Poyos led UST with 22 points, all from spikes, including eight points in the fourth set to force a fifth. Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 10 points each in a hard-fought effort.
In other action, the College of Saint Benilde swept the University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-14, 25-20, in the first phase of the classification round of this tournament, which has support from Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and SM Tickets as technical partners.
Clydel Catarig led Saint Benilde with eight points, all from kills, while Grace Borromeo added seven.
Mycah Go, Cristy Ondangan, and Zamantha Nolasco each chipped in six points for the Jerry Yee-coached squad.
Nina Ytang and Irah Jaboneta scored seven points each for UP, which will play the loser of the other classification round pairing for seventh place.
The NCAA three-peat champions, Lady Blazers, will take on the winner of the other classification match between Ateneo de Manila University and University of the East in the battle for fifth, scheduled for November 16.
