University of Santo Tomas opposite spiker Regina Jurado (left) tries to score against Letran College’s Joralyn Panangin and Leonilyn Padillla in the Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday (July 24, 2026). The Golden Tigresses won, 25-10, 25-19, 25-12, to reach the finals. (Contributed photo)
University of Santo Tomas defeated Letran College, 25-10, 25-19, 25-12 in the knockout semifinals of the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Team captain Regina Jurado finished with 12 points, 11 on attacks, and added three digs in leading the Golden Tigresses to the championship round.
UST, which notched its sixth win, will face the winner between Australian squad Southern Storm Melbourne and College of Saint Benilde on Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.
“I do not give in to the pressure of the underline (team captain uniform mark). I can play my game freely with the team,” said Jurado, who alongside Angge Poyos sat out UST’s final elimination round game on Thursday.
“We want to sustain UST’s success here,” she added.
UST’s high school team ruled the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League Rising Stars Cup and Juniors National Invitationals.
Marga Altea chipped in 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks while Poyos scored 10 points in the penultimate playdate of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Verenicce Colendra led the Lady Knights with seven points, followed by Reeza Abayon with five.
Meanwhile, Enderun Colleges swept Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19, to finish fifth.
Jasmine Salvani paced the Lady Titans with 15 points on 10 attacks and five aces. Althea Botor and Fatima Medina added 13 and eight points, respectively.
Le Thi Diem Phuong scored 16 points for Ho Chi Minh City, which took its sixth consecutive losses. (PNA)