The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
UAAP champion La Salle and CESAFI Titlist University of San Jose Recoletos displayed superb forms in hurdling their rivals at the start of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Despite missing UAAP Rookie-MVP Angel Canino and libero Justine Jazareno, the Lady Spikers proved too strong for University of Perpetual Help System in straight sets, 25-11, 25-17, 25-12, in Pool A.
Equally impressive were USJR, which blanked La Salle-Dasmariñas, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18, in Pool B: Adamson University, which routed Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. of Davao, 25-17, 25-11, 25-17, in Pool C; and Enderun Colleges of Luzon, which overpowered Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, 27-25, 25-22, 25-14, in Pool D.
Thea Gagate, UAAP’s best middle blocker, showcased her impressive skills in both offense and defense as she shone with 12 points and four blocks in the event presented by Eurotel as official hotel and Victory Liner as office transport provider.
Amie Provido also contributed 12 points, Alleiah Malaluan added 11 and Shevana Laput had 10 points, for La Salle in the tournament supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and backed by Mikasa,.Team Rebel Sports,Summit Bottled Water, Genius Sports, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, and R&B Tea.
“Nag-stick kami kung ano ‘yung game plan namin. We executed pero sa totoo lang, marami pa kaming lapses. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy kasi lahat dito sa SSL, nag-handa so kailangan i-respeto namin lahat ng kalaban,” said deputy mentor Noel Orcullo of La Salle.
NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol was the lone bright spot for Perpetual with eight points.
Louneth Abangan had 16 points on 14 hits and two aces as the Lady Jaguars finished off their counterparts in only one hour and 22 minutes.
“It’s a great opportunity for us. Sabi ko sa mga players, ‘yung mga nakikita nyo sa TV ay makakalaro nyo dito. We just have to stay focused and play our game,” said USJR coach Roldan Potot.
No player finished in double figures for La Salle-Dasmariñas with Shaira Pamero having only five points.
Adamson relied on rookie Red Bascon, who tallied 11, and Sharya Nicole Ancheta and Maria Rochelle Lalongisip, who had nine points apiece, to beat JMCFI.
The opening ceremony presented all 12 teams representing different regions in the Philippines.
The event was graced by ACES president Dr. Ian Laurel, Shakey’s general manager Jorge Concepcion, and CHED official Ana Dulce Yango.
Fans across the nation had the opportunity to witness the SSL matches, as they were broadcast live and made accessible across various platforms, such as Plus Network Digital Media Services, CNN Philippines, Solar Sports Entertainment, and TAP Sports.
The event is being supported by various individuals and organizations, including Boy Tuikinhoy of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., Alex Adeva of Northern Mindanao Volleyball.Association of Coaches and Referees, and the San Juan Red Cross chapter.
Additionally, Shakey’s branches nationwide also broadcasted the matches live, adding to the excitement and nationwide engagement with the tournament.