De La Salle University, led by young Mikole Reyes, ended National University’s 28-game winning streak in the Shakey’s Super League with a hard-fought 32-30, 15-25, 25-22, 25-21 victory in Group E action of the Pre-season Championship.
The match showcased the top two women’s volleyball programs in the country, ultimately turning into a test of will for both the Lady Spikers and the Lady Bulldogs.
The Lady Spikers leaned on the experience of Shevana Laput and Angel Canino to clinch the win in a challenging fourth set.
Laput contributed nine of her 18 points in the decisive set, while Canino dominated the opening stanza with 12 of her 20 points coming in the intense 32-30 opener.
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Mikole Reyes displayed remarkable composure during crucial moments, stepping up for setter Jules Tolentino.
“Siyempre sobrang saya for this opportunity. Ginrab ko lang po yung opportunity at gusto ko lang makapag-contribute sa La Salle,” said Reyes.
The defending UAAP champions saw Alyssa Solomon lead the team with 18 points, including 17 attacks. Meanwhile, Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug each contributed 13 points.
Next, the Lady Spikers will face the UE Lady Warriors, who earlier defeated the sole NCAA representative, CSB Lady Blazers, 25-19, 25-18, 25-23.
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Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero were instrumental for the Lady Warriors in crunch time.
“Malapit na matapos ‘yung set and ‘di ‘yun ‘yung time na mag-relax pa kami. Kung patapos na, we have to put all our effort na kasi lahat naman gusto nang manalo,” Dongallo said after tallying a game-high 16 points with 15 attacks and one kill block.
Gajero and KC Cepada added seven points each for UE, which capitalized on Saint Benilde’s inconsistent floor defense and 24 errors.
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In the sole Group F match of the day, University of Santo Tomas outplayed Ateneo de Manila University, 25-11, 25-20, 25-17.
Heady setter Cassie Carballo effectively activated the Tigresses’ hitters with excellent ball distribution, allowing them to dominate the Blue Eagles in an 85-minute Pool F encounter.
UST’s familiarity and chemistry proved decisive, with 12 Tigresses contributing points throughout the match.
“Sobrang laking factor for us ‘yung relationship namin outside the court. Nagsisimula ‘yun sa relationship namin outside the court and nadadala namin ‘yun sa loob. Kanina, naglaro lang kami ng buo,” Carballo stated, finishing with 13 excellent sets and three points.
Angge Poyos was on fire, scoring 17 points—all from attacks—including back-to-back hits to finish the match.
UST remain unbeaten after five outings in the tournament, which is supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea, and Summit Water.
Jonna Perdido added nine points for the Tigresses, while Regina Jurado chipped in eight.
Marga Altea was a significant force at the net, scoring three of her seven points from kill blocks against Ateneo.
For Ateneo, AC Miner finished with eight points, while Yvana Sulit had six.
Lyann De Guzman and Bea Buena each contributed five points in the loss.
