UST completes flawless Juniors National Invitationals conquest

The University of Santo Tomas displayed grace under pressure to prevail over St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 18-25, 19-17 in a thrilling winner-take-all final to rule the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.    

The Junior Tigresses flirted with disaster after squandering a 2-0 match lead. Still, they found the resolve to come back from a five-point deficit in the deciding frame before pulling off an incredible escape.

Most Valuable Player Nicole Pelaez unloaded 27 points on 24 kills, two kill blocks and an ace as UST finished the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea unbeaten in eight games.    

Jyrah Romias added 17 points, Anneli Manzanillo scored 14 and Eliz Menchavez submitted 13 markers for the Junior Tigresses, who completed a season sweep after their breakthrough 2026 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 crown 1ast May.

With momentum on its side, SJI-Bacolod played with high confidence. Celis and Edz Escultura led the way in the fourth set as the Falcons pulled away midway into the frame on their way to forcing a decider.

Celis scored 26 of her 28 points on kills, Escultura had 14 points and Mirasol finished with 13 markers for the Falcons.

The Junior Tigresses had some anxious moments in the second set after reaching set point, 24-19. The Falcons countered with a solid run in the tail end of the frame, scoring four straight points aided by UST’s two miscues.

Meanwhile, Arellano University High School turned to Cassandra Paralejas’ red-hot hitting to essay a 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-19, victory over One La Salle in the battle for bronze.

All games in the competition, backed by technical partners Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology and Team Rebel Sports, are available live and on-demand via PusoP.com livestream and Solar Sports.