La Salle, Adamson forge Shakey’s Super League finals duel

De La Salle University and Adamson University set up an all-UAAP championship series after defeating their respective semifinals foes in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

La Salle, the reigning UAAP champion, survived a grueling five-setter against rival University of Santo Tomas after coming up with a hard-fought 22-25, 25-18, 14-25, 26-24, 26-24 in the match that lasted for two hours and 34 minutes.

Alleiah Malaluan, who delivered the game-winning point, finished with 25 points on 20 attacks and five service aces while Shevana Laput delivered 23 markers.

The loss by UST spoiled a 29-point outing from Angeline Poyos as well as a 25-point game from lefty opposite hitter Regina Jurado.

The rebuilding Lady Falcons, meanwhile, made quick work of NCAA’s University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 25-19, 25-21, 25-16, in their own semis bracket to advance to the finals.

Ayesha Juegos starred for Adamson with whopping 29 points built on 16 attacks, 11 aces, and two blocks while Ma. Rochell Lalongisip poured in 21 markers as they needed only an hour and 23 minutes to send the Lady Altas packing.

La Salle and Adamson will begin their best-of-three finals series on Wednesday in the same venue.

Perpetual and UST, on the other hand, will still have the chance for a podium finish as they will slug it out in the battle for bronze.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News