MANILA, Philippines — UAAP champion Nationwide College and runner-up College of Santo Tomas kicked off their 2024 Shakey’s Tremendous League (SSL) Nationwide Invitationals in contrasting vogue on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Woman Bulldogs, who barely performed their star gamers, banked on Vange Alinsug and Kaye Bombita to open their Pool A stint with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-16 rout of Enderun Faculties.
With Bella Belen, Arah Panique, and Sheena Toring taking part in sparingly, Alinsug led the balanced assault of NU with 14 factors, whereas Bombita stepped up with 10 factors.
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Celine Marsh, an incoming UAAP rookie from Nazareth Faculty, debuted for the Woman Bulldogs with eight factors, seven from the second set, coming off the bench.
“We’re proud of our first win since our objective for this event is to realize expertise and publicity for different gamers, particularly our rookies,” NU coach Norman Miguel stated in Filipino. “I noticed how the seniors led the newcomers. Hopefully, we are able to maintain our good efficiency and attain the finals.
NU, which hasn’t misplaced a sport within the SSL after ruling the previous two preseason tournaments, can safe a spot within the knockout quarterfinals with one other victory over Xavier College-Northern Mindanao Choice on Friday.
Belen and Panique will be unable to complete the event as they be part of Alas Pilipinas in its Japan coaching camp.
“For the reason that nationwide group members will depart for his or her Japan camp, now we have to work on the connection of different gamers, apart from technical abilities,” Miguel stated.
READ: NU Woman Bulldogs good once more for second Tremendous League crown
UST, which fielded new gamers, suffered a troublesome five-set stunner to the College of Batangas, which hung tight to drag off a 25-16, 28-26, 17-25, 17-25, 18-16 stunner in Pool B.
UB blew a two-set lead however Kylie Macatangay saved her group afloat and delivered 21 factors constructed on 17 assaults and 4 aces to upset the UAAP silver medalist and event’s reigning third placer.
Riza Drice additionally stepped up with 13 factors, whereas Jenelyn Jacob and Crisel Ann Bando added 12 and 11 factors, respectively.
The Tigresses, who didn’t subject Detdet Pepito, Angge Poyos, Cassie Carballo, Reg Jurado, and Jonna Perdido, banked on rookie Marget Altea main the way in which with 17 factors together with three blocks. Kyla Cordora and major group member Mae Coronado added 14 and 10 factors, respectively.
In the meantime, Far Japanese College dominated CESAFI champion College of Southern Philippines Basis, 25-13, 25-15, 25-17, in Pool C.
In Pool D, NCAA runner-up Letran swept the College of San Carlos, 25-22, 25-14, 25-12, behind the duo of Nizelle Martin and Lea Tapang, who scored 10 factors every.