St. John's Institute-Bacolod celebrates against Pusong Azul in the 2026 Shakey's Juniors National Invitationals, July 13, 2026 at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan. Handout/Shakey's
MANILA -- St. John's Institute-Bacolod powered past Pusong Azul, 25-20, 25-17, for back-to-back wins in the 2026 Shakey's Juniors National Invitationals on Monday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.
Caera Celis led the way with 16 points built on 12 kills and three blocks.
"Bumawi kami ngayon," said Celis, who was efficient on her attacks with a 12-of-18 spiking clip.
"We prepared last night kasi may lapses talaga sa last game namin. We tried to improve on our skills today," she added.
Kara Feril added nine points while Mishaella Geraldizo dished out seven excellent sets to help the Falcons hammer down 27 hits.
From a 5-5 deadlock early in the second set, SJI-Bacolod zoomed to a 23-13 lead before Jhenica Sadia tried to rally Pusong Azul back into the fight. They trimmed the Falcons' lead to six, before Kaye Escultura halted Pusong Azul's run.
Lexi Tiu then scored the game-winning tip to end the 57-minute tussle.
Sadia had seven points to pace Pusong Azul, which absorbed a third straight defeat in as many games.
Meanwhile, Arellano University High School rolled to its second win in a row after sweeping Pusong Azul, 25-18, 25-13, in the Day 2 curtain-raiser.
Cassandra Paralejas fired 15 points on 12 kills, two aces and a kill block to lead the Lady Braves, who improved to a 2-1 win-loss record.
Nina Cahanap added seven markers and Ysabelle Borja added four points in Arellano's quick 55-minute victory aided by Pusong Azul's 13 errors.
In the other pairing, One La Salle barged into the win column at the expense of debuting California-based guest team Perfect Set Dream Makers, 25-19, 25-17, for a 1-1 slate.