UST, USPF keep quarterfinal bids alive in Shakey’s Super League

UAAP Season 86 volleyball runner-up University of Santo Tomas avoided an early exit after triumphing over debuting Team SOCCSKSARGEN in Pool B of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, July 11.

Composed mostly of rookies looking to gain experience, the Golden Tigresses amassed a 25-17, 25-18, 28-30, 25-14 victory with the team banking on Marga Altea’s 17-point effort to finish the group stage of the tournament.

UST avenged their stunning 16-25, 26-28, 25-17, 25-17, 16-18 defeat at the hands of University of Batangas Lady Brahmans last Wednesday, July 10.

Abigail Sinson also contributed 13 points, including an ace that gave UST a commanding lead in the fourth set, while Kaizah Huyno added 11 markers.

“We still have a lot to improve on, especially our communication. As a new team, it is super hard for all of us because coming from different schools and regions, we only have five core members of the UST girls volleyball team so it is super hard to pull us all together. But we were able to find a way and I hope this will continue,” said Altea after the match.

Team SOCCSKSARGEN, a selection squad from Southern Mindanao, got 16 points from Janelle Maignos while Tresha Parong and Shendy Acebo scored seven and six markers, respectively.

Meanwhile, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) defeated Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19, in Pool C.

Ressel Pedroza displayed her scoring prowess with 15 points to lead the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc (CESAFI) champion to an all-important win over the NCAA Season 99 third placers, boosting its chances of advancing into the next round.

The Lady Panthers bounced back from an opening day 13-25, 15-25, 17-25 loss to Far Eastern University to close the group stage with a 1-1 slate.    

USPF will secure a quarters seat if the Lady Tamaraws beat the Lady Pirates on Friday.