UST arranges SSL finals duel vs reigning champ NU Swiatek thrashes world No. 1 Sabalenka
University of Santo Tomas, once on the brink of elimination, arranged a titular showdown with National University after thwarting Far Eastern University, 25-21, 2520, 19-25, 25-20, in the knockout semifinals of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-season Championship Season 2 on Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Super rookie Angeline Poyos sizzled with 21 points on 17 hits and four blocks as the Golden Tigresses stabilized their title bid in the nick of time after nearly squandering a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado added 15 and 14 points, respectively, for UST in earning a rematch against reigning champion NU after their semifinal duel in the inaugural season.
UST and NU, which swept Adamson in the other semis bracket, slug it out on Friday, Nov. 10 for Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series of SSL Season 2 backed by Mikasa, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Summit Bottle Water, Peri-peri Charcoal z
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“Gusto ko ‘yung attitude ng mga bata. Hindi sila basta bumigay. Nilaban nila ‘wag lang maulit ‘yung sa St. Benilde. Hindi sila bumitaw. ‘Yun ang natutunan namin. Wala talagang bumitaw,” said deputy mentor Lerma Giron in lieu of head coach Kungfu Reyes.
The Golden Tigresses, indeed, never let up with two straight wins since a tough 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 11-15 loss to the Lady Blazers in Game 1 of the quarterfinals.
Armed with a win-once bonus, UST took care of business with a 25-15, 25-16, 19-25, 32-30 win over St. Benilde in Game 2 to march on to the semis – where it overcame FEU.
Save for a second-set meltdown, the Golden Tigresses kept their poise in taming the Lady Tamaraws to earn another shot at the Lady Bulldogs.
UST bowed to NU in the SSL Season 1 semis, 23-25, 25-23, 21-25, 17-25, before losing to Adamson in the bronze-medal match to settle for fourth place. after the match. I'm just going to continue doing what I've been doing." Sabalenka overtook Swiatek for the top ranking two months ago but would keep it only if Pegula wins. Pegula beat compatriot Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-1 in an hour on Saturday to reach the WTA Finals championship match, stretching her overall win streak to nine matches. Swiatek owns a 5-3 career edge rivalry but the American has won two of their three meetings this year, at the United Cup and in an August semifinal on Montreal hardcourts. Swiatek beat Pegula in this year's Doha final. "I can't truly tell you the keys for tomorrow," Swiatek said. "I'm going to work on that." The final was delayed to Monday due to rain that played havoc with the week's schedule at the outdoor hardcourts in Cancun, Mexico — including stopping Swiatek and Sabalenka only three games into their semifinal on Saturday night.