In an exciting showdown, La Salle is on the brink of adding another championship to their tally, while Adamson aims to mark the beginning of a new era with a triumphant start. The two teams will collide in the inaugural match of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finals, taking place at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.

The action kicks off at 4 p.m., featuring the Lady Spikers and the Lady Falcons vying to seize the upper hand in the quick best-of-three finals series.

The winner will inch closer to becoming the maiden national champion of the SSL, proudly presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as the designated office transport provider.

This prestigious event is held in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Earlier in the day, at 2 p.m., the University of Santo Tomas and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta will engage in a bronze-medal showdown, also adopting the best-of-three format.

While La Salle, led by the seasoned mentor Ramil de Jesus and reigning as the UAAP champions, enters the battlefield as the anticipated favorites, Adamson, who secured third place in the UAAP, exudes confidence under the guidance of their new coach, JP Yude, following an impressive journey leading up to this point.

The Lady Spikers showcased their prowess by breezing through the Final Four, although they faced a five-set challenge against UST. Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons have been flawless throughout the entire 12-team SSL tournament, not dropping a single set. Their impressive run includes a comprehensive victory over Perpetual in the semifinal matchup. (AI/MNM)

La Salle team (SSL Photo Handout)

MANILA — De La Salle University prevailed in a thrilling five-set match over the University of Santo Tomas to secure a finals slot in the Shakey’ Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Exhibiting their championship composure, the Lady Spikers demonstrated resilience by saving multiple match points during the fourth and fifth sets. This remarkable display led to a remarkable 22-25, 25-18, 14-25, 26-24, 26-24 triumph over the Golden Tigresses.

Their impressive performance paves the way for a best-of-3 finals series against fellow UAAP contender Adamson. In the opposite semifinal match, Adamson swiftly dismissed the Perpetual Help Lady Altas in three sets, 25-19, 25-21, 25-16.

During the fourth set, La Salle found themselves trailing 21-24. However, they rallied to score the final five points of the set, forcing a decisive rubber match. The fifth set witnessed an even more dramatic turn of events as La Salle thwarted seven match points, ultimately securing the victory after a demanding two hours and 23 minutes of play.

The closing moment came with a crosscourt kill by Alleiah Malaluan, following a single block from Thea Gagate. Malaluan’s outstanding contribution of 25 points, including 20 kills and five aces, spearheaded the reigning UAAP champions’ charge. Shevana Laput added 23 points to the scoreboard, while Gagate contributed 14 points for the Lady Spikers.

Reflecting on the match, La Salle’s assistant coach Noel Orcullo remarked, “As I’ve mentioned, the semifinals bring a different level of competition. I simply reminded them to bring out their A-game.” He noted that excitement might have led to some errors, particularly in their serves. He further reminded the team, “We just told them to show who they truly are.”

In a pivotal moment, when UST setter Cassie Carballo’s unexpected hit gave UST a 24-21 advantage, the Lady Spikers responded emphatically, securing five consecutive points, culminating in Malaluan’s decisive attack.

Despite their commendable efforts, the Golden Tigresses faced multiple challenges, with their closest call at 24-23 after a hit by Poyos. However, they ultimately surrendered the next three points, resulting in a bitter defeat.

Poyos delivered an explosive performance, amassing 29 points, while Jurado contributed 25 points in a valiant but unsuccessful endeavor for the Tigresses. They are now set to compete against the Lady Altas in a separate best-of-3 series for the bronze medal. (ai/mnm)

It’s all systems go for the semifinal round of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals 2023, and the stage is now clear with four teams remaining in the competition.

From an original cast of 12 contenders, only these four teams have emerged victorious – three from UAAP and one from NCAA.

The semi-final matches are scheduled to commence on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The reigning UAAP champion, La Salle, is gearing up to face off against rival University of Santo Tomas, in the main event set for 4 p.m.

Preceding this clash, at 2 p.m., there will be an opening match between UAAP bronze medalist Adamson and the unexpected contender from NCAA, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

The winners of these matches will advance to the finals, which will follow a best-of-three format and take place in the upcoming week.

The ultimate goal for these teams is to secure the title of the first national champion of the SSL.

This tournament is presented by Eurotel as the official hotel, with Victory Liner serving as the office transport provider. The event is conducted in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (ai/mnm)

De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas have set the stage for an eagerly awaited semifinal showdown after securing divergent victories in the knockout quarterfinals of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals.

The exhilarating clashes took place on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Spikers breezed past their opponents from Mindanao, Jose Maria College Foundation (JMCF), with a dominant performance resulting in a 25-18, 25-14, 25-19 victory.

Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses had to overcome a challenge from Luzon contender and NAASCU champion Enderun Colleges, triumphing in four sets with scores of 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 25-14.

On Friday, La Salle and UST will collide in the first match of the highly anticipated Final Four, a rematch occurring three months after their enthralling semifinal battle during UAAP Season 85, which was ultimately claimed by the spikers from Taft.

Demonstrating their undeniable prowess as reigning UAAP champions, the Lady Spikers showcased an unstoppable performance even amidst the gathering of SSL champions from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

They secured yet another sweeping victory in just 67 minutes.

The dynamic duo of Shevana Laput and Thea Gagate once again asserted their dominance on both offensive and defensive fronts, leading La Salle to their third consecutive comfortable win without relinquishing a single set in the 12-team SSL.

The tournament is proudly presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as the office transport provider, in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (ai/mnm)