The vengeful University of Santo Tomas vented its ire on University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-15, 25-22, 25-15, to go 1-0, in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals battle for third place on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Licking their wounds after a five-set heartbreaker against La Salle in the semifinals, the Golden Tigresses wasted no time pouring their wrath on the hapless Lady Altas with a convincing win in only 77 minutes of play for a lead in the best-of-three bronze medal duel. 

A bevy of Golden Tigresses, led by Regina Jurado with 19 points, conspired in the easy victory as they moved one win shy from bagging the bronze medal in the first nationwide tilt 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).

Jurado hammered 14 hits and five aces with rookie spiker Angeline Poyos chipping in 13 points. The duo had 29 and 25 points, respectively, in UST’s tough 25-22, 18-25, 25-14, 24-26, 24-26 defeat against UAAP champion and SSL finalist La Salle.

Xyza Gula and Mary Banagua added 10 points apiece for UST, which will try to clinch the third place in Game 2 on Saturday at the same venue.

“Maraming magandang indications na kaya naming sumabay. Though talagang bata ‘yung team pero yung pagiging promising, individually at as a group, malaking bagay,” said head coach Kungfu Reyes as UST is poised for a good start to its rebuilding stage after the graduation of multiple seniors led by ace spiker Eya Laure.

Save for a close second frame, the Golden Tigresses pretty much put the clamps down on the Lady Altas in their lair ignited by searing 11-3 start for 25-15 first blood. UST then turned it up late in the third set, pulling away from 12-10 with a 13-5 barrage to clinch the win.

Reigning NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol once again was the lone ranger for the Lady Altas with 12 points as they will try to force a deciding Game 3 to keep their podium hopes alive in the 12-team SSL national tourney 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.

Unbeaten teams La Salle and Adamson are still clashing as of press time in Game 1 of their titular showdown also under a best-of-three format.

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.