UST nabs top seed for SSL semis; PSD ends campaign on high note

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Tigresses completed an unbeaten elimination-round campaign to secure the No. 1 seed, while the Perfect Set Dream (PSD) Makers ended their Shakey’s Super League Juniors National Invitationals campaign on a winning note at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan, July 16.

The Junior Tigresses clinched the top seed after defeating fellow unbeaten St. Joseph Institute (SJI)-Bacolod, 25–17, 25–23.

UST middle blocker Anelli Manzanillo delivered in the clutch, anchoring a decisive 5–2 run late in the second set as the Junior Tigresses completed a perfect elimination-round campaign.

After the match, Manzanillo said the Junior Tigresses learned the importance of giving their best effort on every point.

“Alam namin nag-training din yung ibang team so dapat maibigay din namin yung tamang galaw and best talaga na maibibigay namin na laro,” she said.

Manzanillo earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with eight points, four assists and four blocks, while Nicole Pelaez led UST with 10 points, all on attacks.

After cruising through the opening set, UST encountered stiffer resistance in the second as Kristel Mirasol’s attack gave SJI a 21–20 lead. Manzanillo responded with consecutive kills before Pelaez added a spike to put the Junior Tigresses back on top, 23–20.

An attack error by Eliz Menchavez kept the Falcons within striking distance, but Manzanillo answered with a kill block to bring UST to match point before sealing the one-hour, five-minute victory with another block against Caera Celis.

Celis was held to seven points, while Edz Escultura and Eileen Yanson added five markers apiece for SJI, which committed 18 costly errors.

PSD ends campaign with victory

Meanwhile, California-based PSD Makers outlasted Pusong Azul (PAZ), 25–23, 22–25, 15–12, to snap a five-match skid and end their campaign on a winning note.

Victoria Anderson scored seven points, including five in the deciding third set, highlighted by back-to-back attacks that sealed the victory for the Dream Makers. Naomi Barbosa added seven markers.

For PAZ, Nizmund Manalad, Briana Mendoza and Juliana Peregrino finished with 11 points each in a losing effort as the team committed 29 errors.

UST will face No. 4 seed Arellano University High School in the semifinals, while No. 2 SJI takes on No. 3 One La Salle on July 17 at the Playtime FilOil Centre.