The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
University of Santo Tomas relied on the trio of Angeline Poyos, Kyla Cordora, and Regina Jurado to beat University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-12, 21-25, 25-15, 25-21, in their highly-anticipated rematch in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Poyos, the super rookie who earned “Best Outside Hitter” in the SSL National Invitationals where the Golden Tigresses finished third, stood out anew as she tallied 20 points from 16 hits.
Cordora contributed 13 points while Jurado added 11 points as UST successfully launched its campaign in the tournament organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES) in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Despite conceding the second set to the Altas, the vaunted UST trio of Poyos, Cordora and Jurado displayed enough talent and determination to clinch the last two sets and the win in the event supported by Mikasa, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Summit Bottle Water, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, R and B Milk Tea, Potato Corner, Rebel Sports, Converge ICT Solutions, and Genius Sports.
“Medyo marami pang kailangang ipagpag, especially sa second unit,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes, noting the team dropped the second set after winning the opener by 13 points.
“Actually, wala namang nabago sa (2nd unit) namin. ‘Yun pa rin yung naglaro last time. Kailangan lang namin ayusin. Though nanalo, it’s a good game. A win is a win. Next game is Monday so kailangan maayos namin ‘yung galaw namin,” added Reyes.
Mary Rhose Dapol, the NCAA MVP, and Winnie Bedaña led the charge for Perpetual Help with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Their impressive performance brought Perpetual Help back into the game, leveling the match at 1-1.
The Lady Altas were at it again in the fourth set, battling back from a 16-23 deficit and threatening to turn the game around
But Jonna Perdido came through with big plays and teamed up with Jurado and Cordora to seal the thrilling four-set victory for the España-based Golden Tigresses.
UST will try to maintain its momentum as it faces Letran on Monday.
Meanwhile, Perpetual Help will enjoy a brief respite before returning to action against the same opponent next Monday.
Joining them in Pool C is the back-to-back NCAA champion, College of St. Benilde.
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