MANILA, Philippines — Guest team Southern Storm Melbourne repulsed winless Enderun Colleges, 25-21, 25-17, 25-27, 25-22, for a second straight win and a share of the lead in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Australians quelled the Lady Titans’ uprising in the tight fourth set for a 2-0 win-loss record tied with University of Santo Tomas on top of the standings.
Cleo Anastasias and Rebekah Pocock led Southern Storm with 10 points each as the duo combined for 14 of the team’s 40 attack points.
“I was just really excited to go on the court and play. It’s been so much fun the last few days playing. In my mind, I just wanted to bring something into the court. I wanted to give enough energy and I knew my role was to block and I hope I achieved that. But I think I did,” said Anastasias, who had seven kills and three kill blocks. Tied at 21 in the tight fourth set, Southern Storm uncorked a 4-1 finishing kick to end the match in one hour and 50 minutes.
The Aussies had a chance to finish off Enderun in the third set after building a 24-20 advantage. But Southern Storm squandered five match-point advantages as the pesky Lady Titans extended the match.
Despite a heroic fightback, Enderun remained winless after two tries.
Jasmine Salvani and Althea Botor scored 10 apiece for the Lady Titans. Michaella Ma added nine markers. TMT
