By NIKOLE JAVIER
La Salle bounced back in convincing style, drubbing Adamson, 25-23, 25-12, 25-18, and dragging their 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals series to a sudden death on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The reigning UAAP champion vowed to retaliate after falling to the Lady Falcons in five thrilling sets in their Game 1 clash.
And they did – like true champions.
Sophomore Shevana Laput posted a game-high 18 points all on 18 kills to help the Lady Spikers stay alive in their preseason title bid while Amie Provido scattered 13 points on seven attacks, two blocks and four service aces.
With little to no break, both teams plunge back to action at 4 p.m. on Sunday to slug it one last time for all the marbles of the 12-team SSL nationwide tourney presented by Eurotel and Victory Liner and held in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“Actually, ‘yung naman yung sinabi namin sakanila na hindi pwedeng pupunta tayo (sa laban) an papatalo tayo. Kailangan, panalo. Di kami pwedeng magpatalo. Kailangan ipakita na defending champion tayo sa UAAP. (Kailangan) i-prove to them na hindi lang basta namin ibibigay ‘yung panalo sa kalaban,” said La Salle assistant head coach Noel Orcullo.
Meanwhile, Ayesha Juegos paced the Lady Falcons with 12 points on 10 attacks and two service aces while Game 1 hero Lucille Almonte was held to six points in the losing cause.
In another podium duel, University of Santo Tomas escaped Perpetual in four sets, 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-13, to claim the bronze medal.
Angelina Poyos led the way for the Golden Tigresses in the balanced effort after finishing with 26 points highlighted eight service aces.
