UST, SJI-Bacolod punch semis ticket in Shakey’s Super League Juniors

University of Santo Tomas  (UST) and St. John’s Institute (SJI)-Bacolod secured their seats to the final four en route to the semifinals after hacking out commanding victories in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Juniors division at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan, July 15.

The Espana-based Squad swept One La Salle (OLS) with a 25–17, 25–22 beating to stay perfect in the tournament.

With the win, it is the Junior Tigresses’ fourth consecutive win to remain the top-seeded squad,  while La Salle fell to a 3–2 card that leaves them in third seed.

Star Player Nicole Pelaez emerged as UST’s main gun with 12 points built on 10 attacks while Anneli Manzanillo doled out eight points to lock in the win.

Despite a strong start entering the second canto, the Junior Tigresses squandered a 22–13 cushion as a hell-bent Aislyn Alemana spearheaded a 10–2 run for OLS, leaving the former barely breathing in a 23–22 lead that proved too close for comfort.

But a crucial error on the service line by La Sallian Antonella Jayobo was barely enough for UST to turn the tide and cement the lead via an Anneli Manzanillo ace. 

Alemana was limited to only seven points while Alyana Valdez chipped in five as OLS faltered on both offense and defense on the floor, which proved a prime target for UST’s torrid spiking.

Celis tows SJI-Bacolod past AUH

Meanwhile, SJI-Bacolod’s tale was relatively similar to UST’s success as Caera Celis once again anchored the Falcons to a 25–22, 25–17 sweep and kept their unblemished 4–0 record intact.

The Bacolod City native flashed brilliance with 12 points from 9 attacks and two aces to power the Falcons past a gritty opening set and never looked back.

Edz Escultura and Kristel Mirasol bolstered the scoring department as they conspired for 15 points.

On the other hand, Nina Cahanap remained as the consistent bright spot for Arellano with eight markers as the rest of her squad was nowhere to be seen.

With their respective wins, UST and SJC-Bacolod will come face-to-face for an elimination round sweep as both teams enter the semis undefeated on July 16, at the same venue.