NU’s Bella Belen during a game against Enderun Colleges in the Shakey’s Super League.–SSL PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — UAAP champion National University and runner-up University of Santo Tomas kicked off their 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals in contrasting fashion on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Lady Bulldogs, who barely played their star players, banked on Vange Alinsug and Kaye Bombita to open their Pool A stint with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-16 rout of Enderun Colleges.
With Bella Belen, Arah Panique, and Sheena Toring playing sparingly, Alinsug led the balanced attack of NU with 14 points, while Bombita stepped up with 10 points. Celine Marsh, an incoming UAAP rookie from Nazareth School, debuted for the Lady Bulldogs with eight points, seven from the second set, coming off the bench. “We’re happy with our first win since our goal for this tournament is to gain experience and exposure for other players, especially our rookies,” NU coach Norman Miguel said in Filipino.
“I saw how the seniors led the newcomers. Hopefully, we can sustain our good performance and reach the finals. NU, which hasn’t lost a game in the SSL after ruling the past two preseason tournaments, can secure a spot in the knockout quarterfinals with another victory over Xavier University-Northern Mindanao Selection on Friday.
Belen and Panique will not be able to finish the tournament as they join Alas Pilipinas in its Japan training camp. “Since the nationa.
