By: Czarina Agaton
University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, and Adamson University showcased their dominance against their NCAA foes in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Golden Tigresses, the reigning 2024 V-League champions, swept the hapless Lady Cardinals, 25-18, 25-17, 25-20.
Kyla Cordora led the Tigresses with nine points, all coming from attacks.
Xyza Gula made a significant contribution in her comeback match, adding eight points, while Margaret Altea chipped in seven points, six of which were attacks, along with one service ace.
Cordora clinched the match with a cross-court hit, helping UST maintain a 2-0 win-loss record and secure third place in Pool B.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Later in the day, the Lady Tamaraws, the V-League silver medalists, triumphed over NCAA champions College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in four, 25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 25-19.
This victory kept them unbeaten in two games in Pool D.
FEU head coach Tina Salak noted that fatigue was a factor but expressed pride in her players’ performance.
“For today, I think nagka-factor pa rin yung fatigue from other leagues. So wala kaming rest. So hindi ko rin sila ma-encourage to do their best kasi alam ko kung nag-accumulate na yung fatigue niya. So I think yung effort naman na binigay ng mga players ngayon, and commendably naman na binigay nila yung sarili nila sa game. But definitely hindi pa yun yung gusto ko sana makita,” Salak said.
The Lady Tamaraws’ middle hitters played a crucial role in their success, with Clarisse Loresco leading the charge with 18 points—15 from attacks, two service aces, and a block while Jazlyn Ellarina also made a notable contribution with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
In the final match of the day, the Lady Falcons maintained a comfortable lead against the San Sebastian Lady Stags, winning in three sets, 25-23, 25-11, 25-15.
Shaina Nitura led Adamson’s scoring with 17 points, 16 of which were attacks, along with one ace for her collegiate debut.
Frances Mordi contributed 10 points, with nine coming from attacks, while Barbie Jamili added four attack points.
Nitura sealed the match with a back-row attack, and Del Moral ended their first match of the season with a service ace.
Alyanna Ong led the 0-3 Lady Cardinals with eight points, six from attacks, along with one ace and a block. Freighanne Garcia and Svetlana Cayanan chipped in with five points each.
Despite the loss, Rhea Densing was a standout for the debuting Lady Blazers, contributing 14 points, including 13 attacks and one ace. Mycah Go added 10 points, while Grace Borromeo contributed eight points, all from attacks.
Christina Marasigan and Kristine Dionisio also made contributions for the 0-2 Lady Stags, scoring 10 points and five points.
