UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas avoided what could have been an early exit by scoring a hard-earned, 25-17, 25-18, 28-30, 25-14 win yesterday over debuting Team Soccsksargen in Pool B of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Composed mostly of rookies looking to gain experience, the Golden Tigresses used a huge run in the fourth set to take the fight out of their Mindanao-based rivals after yielding the extended third set and avoiding a repeat of their opening-day defeat at the hands of University of Batangas.
The UAAP Season 86 runner-up banked on Marga Altea’s 17-point effort to finish the group stage of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner and Mikasa with a 1-1 record for a chance to advance to the knockout quarterfinals.
University of Southern Philippines Foundation pulled off a massive upset, stunning Lyceum of the Philippines University 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19 in Pool C.
Ressel Pedroza displayed her scoring prowess with 15 points to lead the reigning CESAFI champion to an all-important win over the NCAA Season 99 third placers, boosting their chances of advancing into the next round.
The Lady Panthers recovered from an opening day 13-25, 15-25, 17-25 loss to Far Eastern University to close the group stage with a 1-1 slate.
The Lady Panthers will secure a quarterfinals seat if the Lady Tamaraws beat the Lady Pirates today, Friday.
UST saved four set points in the tight third set and even took a 28-27 edge but Soccsksargen countered with a 3-0 closing rally capped by the Tigresses’ costly back-to-back miscues.