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Games on Saturday (Aug.12)
(Filoil EcoOil Centre, San Juan)
2 p.m. – UST vs UPHSD (bronze medal)
4 p.m. – DLSU vs ADU (finals)
Soaring Adamson seeks to complete its flight to new heights while La Salle is out for vengeance to stay alive in Game 2 of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finals Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
After spreading their wings with a stunning victory in Game 1, the Lady Falcons want no less than a finishing kick at 4 p.m. albeit against an expected strong resistance from the Lady Spikers in a serious bid to drag the short series to a winner-take-all Game 3 on Sunday.
Adamson, behind a flock of protagonists, drew first blood in the race-to-two duel with a 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 16-14 comeback win to move on the verge of becoming the inaugural national champion of the SSL presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as office transport provider, and in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Seasoned spiker Lucille Almonte showed the way with ample support from Ayesha Juegos, Lorene Toring and Sharya Ancheta as well as super rookie Red Bascon, who delivered the telling blows in their epic come-from-behind triumph.
But the Lady Falcons are far from being done, preaching the need to sustain a no-fear mentality against the mighty UAAP champion.
“Kailangang gustuhin natin na laging manalo. When it comes na tatapak kami sa loob ng court at maglalaro lang kami na La Salle ang kalaban natin, kakainin tayo ng buhay ng La Salle,” said coach JP Yude, wary of La Salle’s revenge.
La Salle, installed as the heavy title favorites right from the start of the 12-team SSL national tilt, indeed is raring to bounce back at all costs after relinquishing comfortable leads, including a 20-11 gap in the fourth set, of Game 1.
For the Lady Spikers with their backs against the wall, it’s a perfect chance to rediscover their aim and flaunt their championship pedigree amidst the adversity against the in-form and high-morale Lady Falcons.
“Everybody gave their all but there’s always room for improvement for all of us. It’s a lesson to work harder and play smarter. Obviously, (with) the winner and positive mindset, I know we can do this but it is (about) putting into work and the effort,” said ace player Shevana Laput, whose tournament-high of 30 points went to waste in the tough defeat.
Out to provide coverage for Laput are Alleiah Malaluan, Thea Gagate and Baby Jyne Soreño as La Salle tries to extend the duel to a deciding Game 3 to keep its hopes flickering for the coveted title of SSL also backed by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Summit Bottled Water, Genius Sports, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, and R&B Tea.
Meanwhile in the first game at 2 p.m., the University of Santo Tomas spikes for the bronze medal against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta after an easy 25-15, 25-22, 25-15 win in Game 1 behind the efforts of Regina Jurado and Angeline Poyos.
All SSL matches are accessible across all platforms live and on-demand with Plus Network Digital Media Services, CNN Philippines, Solar Sports Entertainment, and TAP Sports serving as media partners.
The historic National Invitationals, with support from Boy Tuikinhoy of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., Alex Adeva of Northern Mindanao Volleyball Association of Coaches and Referees, and San Juan Red Cross chapter, are also showing live in all Shakey’s branches nationwide.
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