UST, St. John’s Institute-Bacolod set up Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals finals showdown

Unbeaten UAAP University of Santo Tomas and St. John’s Institute-Bacolod booked their spots in the championship match of the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals after winning their respective semifinal matches on Friday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

The Junior Tigresses kept their unblemished record intact, improving to 7-0 with a 25-14, 25-16, 19-25, 25-13 victory over Arellano University High School.

UST dropped its first set of the tournament in the third frame but quickly regrouped, regaining control in the fourth behind a balanced offensive attack to punch its ticket to the finals.

Nicole Pelaez led the Junior Tigresses with 17 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Anelli Manzanillo added 10 points, while Eliz Menchavez and Akisha Tuballa chipped in eight apiece as UST overcame 26 unforced errors.

"Dapat maisaayos pa namin ang communication ng team and 'yung mga errors namin ma-adjust namin agad, kasi parang doon kami nahihirapan every game namin," said Pelaez.

"Sa akin dapat akong maging consistent sa loob ng court lalo na't outside hitter ako. Then sana bukas maipakita ko at ng team ang best namin and sana less errors," she added.

Arellano leaned on Cassandra Paralejas and Ysabelle Borja, who finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively, in the losing effort.

Awaiting UST in the title match is St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, which swept One La Salle, 25-21, 25-11, 25-15, in the other semifinal.

Kristel Mirasol paced the Falcons with 15 points, highlighted by 12 attacks and three service aces. Caera Celis added 13 points, including six aces, while Marteena Ferrer also scored in double figures with 10 points.

"Super thankful na nag-perform po kami lahat ng buo. Sinunod namin ang turo ng mga coaches and hindi nag-low ang morale namin," Mirasol said.

The championship clash will be a rematch of their elimination-round encounter, where UST defeated St. John’s Institute-Bacolod in straight sets last Thursday.

One La Salle was led by Aislinn Alemana with eight points, while Kylie Celada and Antonella Jayobo contributed seven markers each.

UST and St. John’s Institute-Bacolod will battle for the championship on Saturday at 4 p.m., while Arellano and One La Salle will meet in the third-place match at 2 p.m.