BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas downed last year’s winner University of St. La Salle in four sets over the weekend to win the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Tournament of Champions here.
With the deadly trio of Maru Banaticla, Alyssa Valdez and Dindin Santiago doing the scoring, the UST spikers rallied from one set down to win, 18-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-17, and eventually top the tournament backed by Petron Treats, Toby’s Dunkin Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.
Banaticla, Valdez and Santiago combined for 64 points, including 36 kills as they proved too hot to handle for the USLS defenders in the match that lasted a little more than an hour.
Third place honors went to Pajo National High School (Cebu City),which defeated Passi National High School (Iloilo) in straight sets, 25-9, 25-21, 25-22.
Special awardees were Athena Sucalit, Pajo National HS (Best Receiver); Patricia Rasmo, USLS (Best Libero); Fritz Gallenero, USLS (Best Server); Kim Fajardo, UST (Best Setter); Beatriz Tan, USLS (Best Blocker); Alyssa Valdez, UST (Best Attacker); Francis Vicente, UST (Best Coach).