As the penultimate day of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship approached, the UAAP had dominated the NCAA, winning all interleague matches.
However, College of Saint Benilde ensured that the Grand Old League would have a representative in the second round.
The defending NCAA champions stunned the Adamson Lady Falcons with a convincing 25-13, 25-22, 25-19 victory on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With this win, the eight-team lineup for the next round is complete, with the Lady Blazers joining the DLSU Lady Spikers, NU Lady Bulldogs, and UE Lady Warriors in Pool E.
This tournament is backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea, and Summit Water.
Pool F will consist of the UST Golden Tigresses, FEU Lady Tamaraws, UP Fighting Maroons, and Ateneo Blue Eagles, who advanced after defeating EAC decisively, 25-12, 25-21, 25-12, earlier in the day.
Rhea Densing led the Lady Blazers with 12 points, supported by Mary Grace Borromeo, who contributed 10 points.
The Lady Blazers showcased impressive floor defense, delivering 45 attacks in the 78-minute match.
Super rookie Shaina Nitura was held to just seven points after setting a tournament record with 35 points last weekend.
Ifeoma Mordi added six points for the now-eliminated Adamson squad.
Meanwhile, JLo Delos Santos scored 10 points for Ateneo, with Jihan Chuatico and Alexia Montoro contributing seven points each.
In another match, Lyceum of the Philippines University defeated the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, with set scores of 25-18, 25-15, 18-25, 25-22.