Unbeaten University of Santo Tomas and St. John’s Institute-Bacolod arranged a championship showdown after defeating their respective Final Four opponents in the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals on Friday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Junior Tigresses dropped a set for the first time in the tournament but still overpowered Arellano University High School, 25-14, 25-16, 19-25, 25-13, to extend their winning streak to seven matches.
Nicole Pelaez starred with 17 points built on 13 attacks, two aces, and two blocks to power UST into the finals of the weeklong competition backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.
Anelli Manzanillo chipped in 10 points, while Eliz Menchavez and Akisha Tuballa contributed eight markers apiece for the reigning Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 champion, which overcame 26 unforced errors.
“Dapat maisaayos pa namin ang communication ng team and ‘yung mga errors namin ma-adjust namin agad, kasi parang doon kami nahihirapan every game namin,” Pelaez said.
“Sa akin dapat akong maging consistent sa loob ng court lalo na’t outside hitter ako. Then sana bukas maipakita ko at ng team ang best namin and sana less errors,” she added.
Cassandra Paralejas and Ysabelle Borja paced the Lady Braves with 15 and 12 points, respectively.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
UST will face the Falcons in Saturday’s winner-take-all championship match at the same San Juan venue beginning at 4 p.m., after St. John’s Institute-Bacolod swept One La Salle, 25-21, 25-11, 25-15, in the other semifinal.
Kristel Mirasol led the Falcons with 15 points on 12 attacks and three aces, while Caera Celis added 13 markers behind seven kills and six aces. Marteena Ferrer also finished in double figures with 10 points.
“Super thankful na nag-perform po kami lahat ng buo. Sinunod namin ang turo ng mga coaches and hindi nag-low ang morale namin,” Mirasol said.
UST defeated SJI-Bacolod in straight sets during their elimination round meeting last Thursday.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
For One La Salle, Aislinn Alemana scored eight points, while Kylie Celada and Antonella Jayobo added seven each.
Arellano and One La Salle will battle for third place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with One La Salle looking to replicate its straight-set victory over the Lady Braves in the elimination round.
All games in the tournament, backed by technical partners Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, and Team Rebel Sports, are available live and on demand via the PusoP.com livestream and Solar Sports.
