By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense rookie Celine Marsh had a decent National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs debut as they swept the Enderun Colleges Titans, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16, in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Wednesday, July 10.

The former Trinity Christian School-Bacolod standout finished with eight points off the bench in her first game with the Lady Bulldogs as they cruised to a 1-0 record in Pool A.

Evangeline Alinsug spearheaded the offense for the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points, including 12 attacks, while Kaye Bombita also made her presence felt with 10 markers.

“Masaya po kami sa first win namin, especially ‘yung goal namin for this tournament is maka-gain ng experience and exposure ‘yung mga ibang players, especially ‘yung mga rookies,” head coach Norman Miguel said.

“Nakita ko din na nag-lead ‘yung mga seniors sa mga baguhan. Hopefully, maging maayos ang performance namin at umabot kami sa finals,” he added.

Miguel further said that the Lady Bulldogs want to secure their quarterfinal seat as early as possible since they will lose Mhicaela Belen and Negrense Arah Panique in the coming weeks due to their Alas Pilipinas commitment.

“Since aalis din ‘yung mga members ng national team for their Japan camp, so kailangan talaga namin trabahuhin ‘yung connection ng bawat isa, aside pa sa mga technical skills,” Miguel said.

Negrense Shane Carmona was the lone Enderun player in double figures with 10 points, while Bacolodnon Erika Deloria and Zenneth Perolino scored six and four markers, respectively.

The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, parading an all-rookie roster, suffered a stunning 25-16, 28-26, 17-25, 17-25, and 18-16 defeat to the University of Batangas Brahmans.

On the other hand, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights swept University of San Carlos, 25-22, 25-14 and 25-12, behind the duo of Nizelle Martin and Lea Tapang./ASC, WDJ