National University and University of Santo Tomas swept their respective rivals to complete the semifinal cast in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Veterans Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon led the twice-to-beat Lady Bulldogs in dominating the University of the Philippines Maroons, 25-12, 25-22, 25-17, while the Golden Tigresses booted out the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21.

Belen pounded nine attacks, two aces and a kill block for a game-high 12 points while Solomon scored 10 markers as NU advanced to a third straight semis appearance in the centerpiece tournament of the league backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.

The Lady Bulldogs hurdled a tough challenge thrown by the Fighting Maroons in the second set before cruising the rest of the way to set up an exciting knockout semis duel with unbeaten Far Eastern University.  

It would be the first time the two squads will duel since clashing for the gold medal in the National Invitationals last July, where the Lady Bulldogs eventually prevailed.

Middle blocker Kassandra Doering was the lone bright spot for UP, which was relegated to the classification round, with 10 points.   

Meanwhile, UST fought back from a six-point deficit in the third set to secure the victory and forge a semis meting with undefeated De La Salle.

Angge Poyos blasted 10 of her 15 points, all coming from attacks, in the third frame including the game-clinching kill to ice UST’s scorching 13-3 blast after going down, 12-18.

Regina Jurado had 12 points built on eight spikes, three aces and a kill block for UST.

Jelai Gajero finished with 18 points but had little help on offense as the Lady Warriors were relegated to the classification phase of the competition which has Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and SM Tickets as technical partners.