Dapol erupts for 33 points as Perpetual stuns Benilde, sets up Shakey's Super League semis vs Adamson

NCAA Season 98 Most Valuable Player Mary Rhose Dapol took charge as the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA eliminated two-time defending NCAA champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25-16, 20-25, 28-26, 16-25, 15-12, in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Wednesday.

Dapol detonated for 33 points anchored on 28 attacks, four service aces, and one block as the Lady Altas advanced to the semifinals while ending the run of the Lady Blazers, who ruled both NCAA Seasons 97 and 98 without dropping a single game.

Middle blocker Winnie Bedana chipped in 17 markers highlighted by five aces while NCAA Season 98 top rookie Shaila Omipon chimed in with 13 points.

"Masaya siyempre kasi malakas ang CSB, back-to-back NCAA champion.  Thank God at maganda yung nilaro ng mga bata," Perpetual head coach Sandy Rieta said.

"Hindi ko rin ine-expect. 'Di ko nga alam schedule ng semifinals kasi ang iniisip ko, quarters lang kami. Malaki ang tiwala ko sa team. Nakita ko 'yung improvement nila."

(Of course [I'm] happy because Benilde is a strong team, back-to-back NCAA champion. Thank God the players played well. I did not expect [advancing]. I do not even know the schedule of the semifinals because I'm thinking we will reach just until the quarters. I trust them and I see their improvement.)

But the job doesn't get easier for the Las Piñas crew as it will take on UAAP Final Four contender Adamson University in the semis.

The Lady Falcons earlier swept University of San Jose-Recoletos, 25-9, 25-11, 25-23, to claim the third semifinals spot.

The rebuilding Adamson was led by Lucille Almonte, who poured in 12 points while Red Bascon added eight markers.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News