The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
Games Saturday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre, San Juan)
2 p.m. – UST vs UPHSD
4 p.m. – DLSU vs Asamson
ONE down, one to go for Adamson University.
The Lady Falcons leaned on Lucille Almonte, Ayesha Juegos, Sharya Nicole Ancheta, Lorene Toring and rookie Red Bascon to bring down reigning UAAP champion La Salle, 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25,16-14 in Game 1 of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Almonte proved unstoppable all throughout, unloading 24 points on three aces and a block as the Lady Falcons moved within a win from capturing the title in this 12-team organized by ACES and sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.
Juegos added 13 points, Ancheta and Toring contributed 10 points and Bascon had seven points in the well-balanced attack of Adamson under new coach JP Yude.
Adamson can clinch the crown with another victory over La Salle in Game 2 at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
“Lagi ko kasing sinasabi sa kanila, may tiwala ako sa kanila. Kaya I always encourage them, especially nung 4th set, down kami, sabi ko ‘di pa tapos ‘yung laban. ‘Di pa naman 25. Sabi ko isa-isahin natin. Tyagain natin,” said Yude, who is hoping to lead Adamson to the title since taking over from Jerry Yee in June.
“Siguro, na-absorb nila yun. Siguro nakita din nila sa akin, for me, ‘di pa talo. Ayusin nyo yung mga mukha nyo, yung body language nyo. Hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban. Siguro nakita nila yung eagerness na i-push sila.”
Shevana Laput rifled in a tournament-high of 30 points, Thea Gagate and Alleiah Malaluan added 14 points while Baby Jyne Soreño had 11 points but La Salle still absorbed its first defeat
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas swept NCAA mainstay University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-15, 25-22, 25-15, in their own battle for third place.
Regina Jurado scattered 19 points while rookie Angeline Poyos chipped in 13 points as the Tigresses unleashed their full might in a 77-minute demolition of the Lady Altas.
Xyza Gula and Mary Banagua added 10 points apiece for UST, which is hoping to redeem itself from a heartbreaking 25-22, 18-25, 25-14, 24-26, 24-26 setback to La Salle in the semis.
“Maraming magandang indications na kaya naming sumabay. Though talagang bata ‘yung team pero yung pagiging promising, individually at as a group, malaking bagay,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Reigning NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol was the lone bright spot for the Lady Altas with 12 points.
The tournament is co-presented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and supported by 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.
