The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
One team is hoping to secure another championship, while another is looking to usher in a new era of success.
Against this backdrop, UAAP champion La Salle and Adamson battle it out in a short best-of-three finals of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Both the Lady Archers and Lady Falcons are expected to go all-out in their 4 p.m. encounter to gain the upperhand and move closer to claiming the prestigious title of being the inaugural national champion of the SSL.
University of Santo Tomas and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta will compete for the bronze medal in a similar best-of-three format at 2 p.m.
Of the two finalists, La Salle is favored to rule the event presented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and supported by Eurotel, the official hotel sponsor, and Victory Liner, the official transport provider.
An interesting sidelight of the competition is the battle between experienced coach Ramil de Jesus of La Salle and new mentor JP Yude of Adamson.
Both coaches exude confidence that their teams can get the job done.
The Lady Spikers navigated their way to the Final Four, overcoming challenges even without the presence of UAAP Rookie-MVP Angel Canino.
Their path to the finals involved a thrilling five-set victory against UST.
La Salle remains formidable even with the absence of key players such as Canino and acelibero Justine Jazareno, as well as the departure of Jolina dela Cruz, Mars Alba, and Fifi Sharma.
The Lady Falcons were just as impressive on their way to the finals, displaying good form and not dropping a single set throughout the 12-team SSL tournament.
That included a sweep against Perpetual Help in the semifinals.
Similarly, Adamson has undergone changes after bidding farewell to players like Trisha Tubu and Kate Santiago, who moved on to professional leagues.
The two teams will now go for a 1-0 advantage in the nationwide competition.that showcased talents from the NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with the support from Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Summit Bottled Water, Genius Sports, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, and R&B Tea.
All SSL matches are accessible across all platforms live and on-demand with Plus Network Digital Media Services, CNN Philippines, Solar Sports Entertainment and TAP Sports serving as media partners.
The historic National Invitationals, with support from Boy Tuikinhoy of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., Alex Adeva of Northern Mindanao Volleyball Association of Coaches and Referees and San Juan Red Cross chapter, are also showing live in all Shakey’s branches nationwide.