UAAP champion La Salle and University of Santo Tomas forged a highly-anticipated semifinal duel, coming away with contrasting wins in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitational Championship Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Lady Spikers hardly broke a sweat against Mindanao bet Jose Maria College Foundation (JMCF), 25-18, 25-14, 25-19, even as the Golden Tigresses needed four sets to fend off Luzon qualifier and NAASCU champion Enderun Colleges, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 25-14.
La Salle and UST collide on Friday in the first Final Four pairing, three months after their semis battle in the UAAP Season 85 eventually won by the Taft-based squad.
Displaying the form that enabled them to reclaim the UAAP crown after a thrilling finale with the National University Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Spikers needed just 67 minutes to seal the deal.
The twin towers of Shevana Laput and Thea Gagate proved lethal, shattering JMC’s defense time and again to extend their winning streak to three games since the elims in the 12-team SSL presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as office transport provider, and in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“Marami pa rin kaming dapat ayusin heading into the semis. Ibang labanan na doon,” said deputy mentor Noel Orcullo, who believed his wards have more to offer despite equally big wins against University of the Perpetual Help System Dalta and CESAFI runner-up University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Pool A play.
Later, Angeline Poyos pumped in 18 points on 12 attacks, two blocks and four aces as UST recovered in time to prevail.
Regina Jurado and Athena Abbu added 10 and nine points, respectively, with Xyza Gula, Jonna Perdido and Maribeth Hilongo chipping in eight points each in the match that lasted one hour and 36 minutes.
