By ADRIAN STEWART CO

St. John’s Institute (SJI) – Bacolod and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) remained unbeaten in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League Junior National Invitationals after posting straight-set victories on Wednesday, July 15, setting up a battle for the top spot in the standings.

SJI extended its winning streak to four matches after sweeping Arellano University High School, 25-22, 25-17, in the preliminary round.

Caera Celis led the way for SJI and was named Most Valuable Player of the Match after tallying 12 points built on nine attacks, two aces and one block.

The victory kept SJI undefeated through four games in the tournament.

UST, meanwhile, improved to a perfect 5-0 record after defeating Pusong Azul in straight sets, 25-21, 25-17.

Setter Alexandra San Jose earned MVP of the Match honors after directing the Junior Golden Tigresses’ offense in another convincing win that preserved the team’s unbeaten campaign.

With both schools yet to suffer a defeat, SJI and UST are set to face off in a highly anticipated preliminary-round clash, with first place in the standings at stake./ASC, WDJ