SJI, OLS keep winning ways in SSL Nat’l Invitationals

Raikkonnen Refol

Behind a balanced offensive attack, Caera Celis and Edz Escultura powered SJI to a 25-16, 25-15 sweep of Perfect Set Dream Makers (PSD), improving to a spotless 3-0 record.

Celis starred with 11 points on seven attacks and four aces, while Escultura added nine markers to lead the Falcons’ offensive charge.

SJI briefly stumbled after PSD unleashed a 5-0 run midway through the opening set, but the Falcons answered with a 5-0 blitz of their own by capitalizing on the Dream Makers’ errors before closing out the frame with a crosscourt kill, 25-16.

The Falcons carried that momentum into the second set, building another comfortable midgame cushion before pulling away behind a relentless service game to complete the straight-set victory, 25-15.

SJI will next face the University of Santo Tomas on July 16.

Salada powers OLS past PAZ

Following SJI’s victory, Kylie Salada steered One La Salle to a 25-22, 25-19 sweep of Pusong Azul (PAZ), helping the Lady Spikers secure their third straight win after dropping their tournament opener.

Salada paced OLS with 16 points, built on 14 attacks and two aces, while Antonella Jayoba and Aislinn Alemaña contributed five points apiece.

Holding a 24-20 advantage in the opening set, OLS withstood a late PAZ rally before Alemaña finished off the frame with a decisive spike.

The second set remained tightly contested early on before the Lady Spikers pulled away with a 9-4 run sparked by Salada’s offensive outburst to seal the victory.

OLS returns to action against UST on July 15.

With reports from ABS-CBN News