BTT, NUNS punch semis slots

Title favorites Bacolod Tay Tung High School and National University-Nazareth School booked Final Four tickets after eliminating their respective quarterfinal opponents in contrasting fashions in the 2023 Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitational League yesterday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

The Ilongga squad threw everything it got to get rid of University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 25-23, while the Lady Bullpups had an easier time disposing of Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-15, 25-18, to remain unbeaten.

NUNS will face the winner between California Academy and Adamson University while Bacolod clashes with the survivor of Naga College Foundation-La Salle Lipa quarters pairing in the semifinals of the 16-team tourney backed by Shakey's Pizza Parlor, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri and R&B Tea with the City of Manila as government cooperation partner.

The Bacolod spikers banked on Alexa Marie Montoro on offense to will their way into a morale-boosting sweep after trailing early in both sets.

Montoro had 11 points while Jothea Marie Ramos and Mary Bontia contributed nine markers each for BTT, which erased a 10-16 deficit in the second set to fend off UST.

"We were a bit off at the start. Our receive, passing and blocking were off. Good thing we're able to recover in the end," Bacolod mentor Ian Macariola said.

Earlier, NUNS shook off a sluggish start as Yesha Noceja and Celine Marsh hammered 12 and 10 points, respectively, to claim the first semis seat in the tourney also powered by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Toby's Sports, Genius Sports and SM Tickets.

Kianne Louise Olango, who spearheaded their blowout wins in Pool A against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, La Salle Lipa and Gracel Christian College Foundation, added six for the reigning UAAP juniors champion.