Unbeaten National University and Letran set up a semifinals date after dominating their respective opponents in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals knockout quarterfinals on Saturday, July 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel fielded back his veterans after giving them a day off last Friday in a swift demolition of University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 25-11, 25-12, 25-14, for the squad’s third straight victory.
On the other hand, the Lady Knights had to weather a late third set scare by University of Batangas before hacking out a 25-22, 25-10, 25-23, win to move on to the next round.
NU and Letran will square off in the knockout semis on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Sheena Toring led the way for NU with 10 points on seven attacks and three kill blocks in just two sets of action while Bella Belen and Arah Panique added six markers each in their last game before joining Alas Pilipinas in its Japan training camp.
Myrtle Escanlar and Kaye Bombita scored nine markers each and combined for 16 of the 44 attack points collected by NU, which has yet to drop a set in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports and Mikasa.
Despite the easy win, Miguel was far from satisfied with the two-time SSL Collegiate Preseason Championship winner and reigning UAAP champion.
“We still need to work on our passing and blocking. And also in our connections, especially ‘yung chemistry ng rookies sa mga seniors nila,” Miguel said.
No player from the Cebu-based USPF reached double-figure output with Dya Mejos and Kaye Bunao finishing with seven and five points, respectively.
In the second game, Judiel Nitura pushed Letran at match point, 24-23, with a thunderous off the block kill.
