MANILA – Erika Deloria stepped up offensively for Enderun College Titans as they scored a 25-12, 25-21, 25-18 sweep over Xavier University in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Bacolod City native volleybelle finished with 14 points, built on eight attacks, four service aces, and two blocks, as the Titans stayed in the playoffs race with their 1-1 record in Pool A.
According to Deloria, participating in the pre-season tournament allowed the Titans to develop their chemistry as they aim for their third consecutive NAASCU championship later this year.
“I am happy with our team right now, we built a relationship from top to bottom and ‘yung chemistry namin, and ito na kami dahan-dahan na umaangat,” Deloria said during her Player of the Game interview.
“Actually, like last year, we came here (in SSL) more para sa experience and to win, and we want to do it one game at a time,” she added. “This tournament is good for us, for our growth as a team and to also experience competing with (UAAP and NCAA) teams.”
The victory served as a bounce back for the Titans after suffering a 25-19, 25-15, and 25-16 straight-set defeat to reigning UAAP women’s volleyball tournament champions, the National University Lady Bulldogs, on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses avoided an early elimination in Pool B after a 25-17, 25-18, 28-30, and 25-14, rebound win over debuting Team Soccsksargen.
Rookie Marga Altea spearheaded the attack with 17 points, Abigail Sinson added 13 points while Kaizah Huyno tallied four service aces to end up with 11 markers for the Golden Tigresses, which now has a 1-1 record.
“Madami pa po kaming dapat na i-improve lalo na po ‘yung communication namin,” Altea said. “As bago na team, super hirap sa amin lahat kasi coming from different schools and regions.”
“Lima lang kaming core ng UST GVT (girls volleyball team) kaya super hirap na i-pull lahat kami together. Pero nagagawan naman po namin ng paraan and sana magtuluy-tuloy ang ganito,” she added./PN
