ATENEO debuted with a rousing 25-23, 25-20, 35-33 victory over Mapua even as defending champion National University swept San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-18, 25-15, 25-13, in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2 at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

Rookie setter Katherine Cortez made her presence felt with 21 excellent points, while Lyann De Guzman added 14 points on 13 hits, including back-to-back hits in the extended third set for the Lady Eagles in Pool D action.

“Nag-trust lang po ako sa teammates ko at sinasabihan din ako ni coach Sergio (Veloso) na gawin lang kung ano ‘yung training namin. Wag lang po ma-pressure tapos trust lang talaga sa teammates and coaches,” said Cortez, who steadied Ateneo in saving multiple set points, including a 31-32 deficit late in the third set.

AC Miner and Sophia Buena contributed 11 points apiece and Gena May Hora chipped in 10 points for Ateneo, which will meet Pool D leader Far Eastern University (2-0) next on Saturday.

Roxie dela Cruz had 16 points for Mapua, which dropped to 0-2.

Overshadowed by Ateneo’s smashing debut was NU, which moved to 2-0 following a three-set victory over San Sebastian in Pool A.

Former UAAP Rookie-MVP Mhicaela Belen played only in two sets but still dropped 13 points on 13 attacks after taking a backseat in the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-15, 25-19, 25-15 win against the Lady Warriors last Saturday.

Erin Pangilinan and Evangeline Alinsug added nine and eight points, respectively, in NU’s second straight game in as many days.

“Hindi kami dapat magpa-kampante kahit nanalo kami ng 2 games. Marami pa rin kaming dapat i-improve as a team,” said Belen as NU eyes a Pool A sweep against winless Jose Rizal U next on Sunday.

Katherine Santos, with nine points, served as the lone bright spot for San Sebastian (1-1).

Up next for Mapua and San Sebastian are Emilio Aguinaldo College (0-1) and University of the East (1-1), respectively, next weekend.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya