UST wallops Mapua for second win, UP records first win against Letran

The University of Santo Tomas blasted Mapua University for a back-to-back win in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship on Sunday, October 6, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

The Golden Tigresses swept the Lady Cardinals with a straight set 25-18, 25-17, 25-20 victory, securing them the second spot behind Pool B leader University of the East with a 3-0 record. 

“We enjoyed the game. We played the first set in a relaxing manner and we carefully played our game,” said Kyla Cordora who posted nine points on all kills.

Xyza Gula contributed eight markers and Margaret Alta scored seven, while Jona Perdido and Regina Jurado supplemented six apiece. 

Bianca Plaza drove UST at match point, 24-17, before three continuous points from Mapua impeded the Tigresses’ victory. Cordora, however, prevented them any chance of a comeback, halting the Lady Cardinals’ late rally and delivering the final point.

Alyanna Ong paced the Lady Cardinals with eight points which remained winless in three starts. 

UST will aim to keep their record perfect on Friday, October 11, when they go against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta before facing UAAP rival UE for a much-anticipated showdown on October 13.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines tallied its first win of the competition after defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 17-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23.

The Fighting Maroons found their rhythm after bouncing back from their loss in their first assignment of the tournament against De La Salle University.

Middle blocker Kassandra Doering hammered 16 points, including nine off attacks, Joan Monares added 11 markers, while Nina Ytang scored 10 for the Fighting Maroons.

Gia Maquilang led the Lady Knight with 18 points, while Sheena Saring and Judiel Nitura supplied 14 and 12, respectively, in the losing cause.