By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University ruled the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Sunday night after prevailing over De La Salle University, 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20, in Game 2 of their best-of-three title showdown at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The Lady Bulldogs also took Game 1 on Friday, 25-16, 25-12, 27-25.
Alyssa Solomon, named Best Opposite Spiker, scored all her 19 points on attacks as NU bagged its third straight title.
The reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champion also bagged the SSL National Invitationals title last July.
“Of course, the experience to play in Shakey’s is very important to NU in preparation for the UAAP. So, we’re thankful for the opportunity like this,” coach Sherwin Meneses said after claiming his first title with NU.
He completed a Grand Slam in the professional ranks with Creamline this year.
Most Valuable Player Bella Belen contributed 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks and an ace while Vange Alinsug added 10 points, including the game-winning spike.
“We really worked hard for our win because we knew La Salle would fight, so I told my teammates that we have to fight, too,” Belen, who also received the first Best Outside Spiker award, said.
Angel Canino led La Salle with nine points while Alleiah Malaluan and Katrina Del Castillo scored eight and seven points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University survived University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, to settle for the bronze medal.
Jaz Ellarina paced the Lady Tamaraws with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks.
Gerzel Petallo had 11 points followed by Faida Bakanke with 10 points, while Chenie Tagaod and Alyzza Devosora added nine points each.
Angge Poyos finished with 21 points on 20 spikes and one ace for the Growling Tigresses, while Jonna Perdido made 11 points before sustaining a left knee injury midway in the fourth set. Regina Jurado had 10 points.
Other individual awards winners were Poyos (second Best Outside Spiker), La Salle’s Amie Provido (First Best Middle Blocker), Ellarina (Second Best Middle Blocker), and NU’s Shaira Jardio (Best Libero) and Lams Lamina (Best Setter). (PNA)
