UST cops Shakey's Volleyball diadem

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas blasted Colegio San Agustin in straight sets Sunday to win the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League and qualify for the Tournament of Champions next month.

Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez combined with Den Santiago for 17 kills as the Goldbelles downed CSA, 25-22, 25-13, 25-14, to win the series backed by Petron Treats, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.

“We finally made it. The girls worked hard for this title,” said UST coach Francis Vicente.

The UST tossers made it to the T of C slated April 1 in Bacolod where they will compete against qualifiers from Tacloban, Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo legs.  

Named special awardees in the competitive division were Mariel Sinamban (Angeles University) best server; Dennise Lazaro (CSA) best receiver; Mikaela Esperanza (De La Salle Lipa) best setter; Aleona Santiago (UST) best blocker; Abigail Pacleb (CSA) best libero; Francis Vicente (UST) best coach and Alyssa Valdez (UST) best attacker and MVP.

Saint Francis of Assisi College Bacoor won the Developmental division crown after beating Valenzuela National High School, 25-12, 25-22, 25-22, behind the heroics of Gretchen Esmero, Niña Asuncion and Phoebe Ilagan who contributed 27 points and eight kills.

Special awardees were Vea Cuevas (St. Mary’s College QC) best server; Anna Marie Dala (Valenzuela National High) best receiver; Olivia Cunanan (Valenzuela National High) best blocker; Kaye Almazan (Diliman Preparatory School) best libero; Jamir Abenales (SFAC Bacoor) best coach and Gretchen Esmero (SFAC Bacoor) Best attacker and MVP.