MANILA, Philippines — Sinelyuhan ng defending champion National University ang huling quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage sa Pool E matapos nilang kalusin ang University of the East, 25-14, 25-20, 25-17, sa second round ng 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) collegiate pre-season championship na nilaro sa Rizal Memorial Coliseum kahapon.
Sinandalan ng Lady Bulldogs ang kanilang veteran trio nina reigning Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen at Vange Alinsug para tapusin ang round robin na dala ang 2-1 win-loss record.
Dinomina ng NU ang Lady Warriors sa mainit na laro nina Solomon, Belen at Alinsug para tapusin ang laro sa loob lamang ng 79 minuto sa tournament na suportado ng Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea at Summit Water.
“Unti-unti nagiging mas stable na ‘yung sistema ni coach Sherwin (Meneses) so mas naa-adapt na rin kaya na-execute namin ng maayos ang naging preparation namin,” ani NU assistant coach Karl Dimaculangan.
Si Dimaculangan muna ang gumabay sa Lady Bulldogs dahil nasa Taiwan pa si Meneses.
Kumana si Solomon ng 11 points mula sa siyam na kills at tig-isang block at service ace, may 11 puntos din ang tinikada ni Belen kasama ang limang attacks, limang service aces at isang block para sa Lady Bulldogs habang umiskor si Alinsug ng 10 markers.
Samantala, inupuan ng Far Eastern University ang huling quarterfinals slot nang kalusin ang Uiversity of the Philippines, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-13 sa Pool F sa event na katuwang ang Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), at SM Tickets bilang technical partners.