Lady Bulldogs, Lady Spikers dispute SSL crown

MANILA, Philippines — Back-to-back champion National U booked a finals return in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship with a 25-16, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22 win over previously undefeated Far Eastern U in their duel over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Reigning MVP Alyssa Solomon stamped her class with 17 points, including 11 in the clinching fourth set as the Lady Bulldogs arranged a dream match-up with UAAP rival La Salle, winner over Santo Tomas in the other semifinal pairing.

NU and La Salle, title protagonists in two of the last three UAAP finals, start their SSL best-of-three title collision Friday at the same venue.

The Lady Bulldogs will have some score to settle with the Lady Spikers, who snapped their 28-game SSL winning streak back in their duel in the prelims.

Solomon had 13 hits and four blocks while UAAP MVP Bella Belen and seasoned spiker Vange Alinsug chipped in 15 points each.

The Lady Tamaraws swept their first seven games before their downfall in the semis.