Games today:
(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
1 p.m. – UST vs Mapua
3:30 p.m. – CSB vs FEU
6 p.m. – Adamson vs SSC-R

MANILA — The University of the East Lady Warriors moved closer to securing a spot in the next round after sweeping Mapua University, 25-14, 25-20, 25-20, for their third consecutive win in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship on Saturday (05 Oct 2024) at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Despite missing ace winger Casiey Dongallo, UE capitalized on their depth and firepower to overwhelm the still winless Lady Cardinals and remain undefeated at the top of Pool B.

Riza Nogales led the Lady Warriors with 11 points, coming from nine kills, one ace, and a block. This marks UE’s second straight-set win in the tournament, which is backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R&B Milk Tea, and Summit Water.

Jelai Gajero contributed nine points, while Yesha Rojo added eight, filling the gap left by Dongallo, who missed the game to undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection in her right arm.

“Players stepped up with Casiey out. Our first six and second six did well in scoring. While we won in straight sets, I feel like there’s still room to stretch our skills and improve,” said UE deputy coach Doc Obet Vital.

The Lady Warriors aim to complete a sweep of the group stage when they face the University of Santo Tomas on October 13.

In the third set, Mapua provided tougher resistance after UE cruised through the first two sets. The Lady Cardinals kept it close at 22-20, but Nogales responded with consecutive hits before Christine Ecalla sealed the win with a crosscourt attack.

Alyanna Ong and Nadine Berces each scored six points to lead Mapua, who suffered their second loss in as many games.

Meanwhile, National University (NU) kick-started their three-peat campaign with a 25-12, 25-27, 25-16, 25-17 victory over Ateneo de Manila University late Friday in Pool A. The Lady Bulldogs, led by Erin Pangilinan’s 17 points and Vange Alinsug’s 14 points, look poised for another strong run after their National Invitationals win last July.

The Blue Eagles, with Lyann De Guzman contributing nine points, now hold a 1-1 record.