The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
UAAP champion La Salle and Adamson demonstrated their dominance as they secured victories against their respective rivals to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitational at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Tuesday.
La Salle dominated CESAFI runner-up the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 25-14, 25-15,25-19 in 70 minutes, while Adamson swept NCAA runner-up Lyceum, 25-17, 25-18, 25-22.
Alleiah Malaluan emerged as a key player for La Salle, contributing 13 points built on 12 hits.
With the win, La Salle swept Pool A in the historic SSL nationwide tilt presented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Eurotel as the official hotel, and Victory Liner and the office transport provider.
The Lady Spikers, who had previously defeated the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the opener, also received significant support from Shevana Laput and Katrina Del Castillo, both contributing 10 points each.
“Marami pa kaming kulang. Lalo yung connection ng setters at spikers. Marami pang kailangang ayusin. ‘Yung mga unnecessary errors, kailangan ma-solusyunan,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo. La Salle, who also noted the team’s challenges due to the absence of UAAP Rookie-MVP Angel Canino and ace libero Justine Jazareno, as well as the graduation of key players Jolina Dela Cruz, Mars Alba, and Fifi Sharma
In another match, Adamson booked their second consecutive win under new coach JP Yude, with Lucille Almonte shining with 10 points comprising six hits and four aces.
Sharya Nicole Ancheta and Red Bascon contributed nine and seven points, respectively.
Yude emphasized the importance of further preparation for the knockout playoffs, as the competition continues to intensify.
Perpetual Help and Jose Maria College Foundation also qualified from their respective pools, with Perpetual finishing second in Pool A after defeating USPF, and JMFC doing the same in Pool C, following an upset against Lyceum.
Both USPF and Lyceum failed to advance, leaving four more spots in the quarterfinals up for grabs in the remaining matches.
The SSL National Invitationals, supported by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Summit Bottled Water, Genius Sports, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, and R&B Tea, promises more exciting clashes as teams compete for the championship title.
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 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.
PHOTO CAPTION: Shavanaa Laout of DLSU over Chechelle Bunai and Kat
Inot of USPF. Photo courtesy of Shakey’s Super League (SSL).
PHOTO CAPTION: Alleiah Malaluan of DLSU over Kat Inot and Vanessa Lou inoza of USPF. Photo courtesy of Shakey’s Super League (SSL).