UST bounces back; USP upsets Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines — UAAP runner-up Santo Tomas staved off a strong resistance from Team SOCCSKSARGEN, 25-17, 25-18, 28-30, 25-14, to stay in contention in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Marga Altea fired 17 points as the Golden Tigresses, parading mostly rookies in preparation for UAAP Season 87, rebounded from their stinging 16-25, 26-28, 25-17, 25-17, 16-18 defeat at the hands of University of Batangas.

Abigail Sinson and Kaizah Huyno added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for Santo Tomas which is at 1-1 in Pool B. The Growling Tigresses could clinch a quarterfinal spot if UB defeats SOCCSKSARGEN in their crucial duel.

“Madami pa po kaming dapat na i-improve lalo na po ‘yung communication namin as a new team. Pero nagagawan naman po namin ng paraan and sana magtuluy-tuloy ang ganito,” said Altea.

Janelle Maignos had 16 while Tresha Parong and Shendy Acebo scored seven and six markers, respectively, for the selection squad from Southern Mindanao.

In the other game, CESAFI champion University of Southern Philippines Foundation stunned NCAA bronze medalist Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19, in Pool C.