UAAP’s University of the East, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the Philippines dominated their NCAA rivals in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship held on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Warriors advanced to the second round after decisively defeating the Mapua Lady Cardinals in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20, 25-20, to go 3-0.
(C) SSL
Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses, fresh off their victory at the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge presented by Grab, also secured a win.
They triumphed over the Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17, 25-14, marking their first victory in the tournament 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.
UST’s Regina Jurado led the charge with an impressive 16 points, consisting of 14 kills and two kill blocks. Meanwhile, Jonna Perdido and Angge Poyos added 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
(C) SSL
In a nail-biting contest, the Fighting Maroons averted disaster against the Letran Lady Knights, winning 17-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 to even their slate in Pool C.
Kassandra Doering was instrumental in the victory, leading her team with 16 points, including nine attacks and seven blocks.
Her performance was complemented by Joan Monares and Nina Ytang, who contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Maroons imposed their length over the Lady Knights during critical moments of the match.
For UE, Riza Nogales emerged as a standout player, scoring 11 points from nine kills, one ace, and one block, leading the Lady Warriors to their back-to-back straight sets win.
Jelai Gajero added nine markers while Yesha Rojo chipped in eight.
Despite missing their key player, Casiey Dongallo, who underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection in her right arm, UE rallied together.
“People stepped up with Casiey out. Our first six and second six scoring-wise did well. Set-wise, we won three straight, but I feel like we still have a lot more skills to stretch, to work with, and improve,” remarked Lady Warriors head coach Doc Obet Vital.
For the Lady Cardinals, Alyanna Ong and Nadine Berces were the leading scorers, finishing with six points each.
In a similar vein, Johna Dolorito contributed eight points while Joann De Guzman added seven in a losing effort for the Lady Pirates.
Despite their setbacks, the Lady Knights saw strong individual performances from Gia Maquilang, who scored 18 points, and Sheena Sarie, who added 14.
