La Salle, College of St. Benilde (CSB), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and Adamson University are set to battle it out for quarterfinal spots in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Tuesday, August 1. Known as the fancied squads, they are expected to live up to their reputations against their respective opponents in order to top their groups and secure their places in the next round.
The action-packed day will begin at 9 a.m. with reigning UAAP champion La Salle taking on CESAFI runner-up University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Pool A. This will be followed by the clash between Adamson and Lyceum at 12 p.m. in Pool C.
At 2 p.m., UST will face off against La Salle-Dasma in Pool B, while two-time NCAA queen CSB will collide with Enderun Colleges at 4 p.m. in Pool D, concluding the preliminary round-robin eliminations involving 12 teams from different regions across the Philippines.
Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout playoffs of the SSL. The tournament is presented by Eurotel, with official hotel partner Victory Liner and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as their cooperating agency.
All teams participating in the Shakey’s Super League have prepared extensively, and respecting their opponents is crucial. La Salle, in particular, has emerged as the team to beat in this nationwide competition, according to Lady Spikers deputy mentor Noel Orcullo.
The only team that is currently out of contention is Notre Dame of Dadiangas University from General Santos City, with a winless record of 0-2 in Pool D. The fate of CESAFI champion University of San Jose Recoletos and Jose Maria College Foundation, both with a 1-1 record, will be determined on the final playdate.
While the spotlight is focused on the prestigious UAAP and NCAA teams, the underdogs like the University of San Jose Recoletos and Jose Maria College Foundation have showcased their worth in this historic tournament. They have demonstrated their potential to compete alongside well-established squads.
The matches in the SSL are available to fans across various platforms, thanks to Plus Network Digital Media Services, CNN Philippines, Solar Sports Entertainment, and TAP Sports, who are serving as media partners.
This National Invitationals tournament, which has the support of several organizations, including the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., Northern Mindanao Volleyball Association of Coaches and Referees, and the San Juan Red Cross chapter, is also being livestreamed in all Shakey’s branches nationwide.
In conclusion, as the competition intensifies, fans can expect thrilling matches as La Salle, CSB, UST, and Adamson strive to secure their places in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals.
