NU Lady Bulldogs’ Sherwin Meneses and Vangie Alinsug. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — National University begins life without star Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg from August 1 to 3.

The Lady Bulldogs kick off their title-retention bid in the National Invitationals for the first time without their three-time UAAP MVP Belen and Season 86 Finals MVP Solomon, who both opted to turn pro and have been key members of Alas Pilipinas.

READ: UAAP: Alinsug, Jardio start NU takeover with shared Finals MVP plum

Belen was drafted as the first overall pick by Capital1 in the PVL Rookie Draft 2025, while Solomon is eyeing to play overseas after leading NU to its third title in four UAAP seasons. Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring were also selected by Cignal and Creamline, respectively.

Coach Sherwin Meneses will be banking on Co-Finals MVP Vange Alinsug and libero Shaira Jardio as well as holdovers led by Alas setter Lams Lamina, Arah Panique, Celine Marsh, Kaye Bombita, Aishat Bello, Chams Maaya, and Alexa Mata.

NU will also parade newcomers led by GVIL MVP Sam Cantada, Best Opposite Spiker Harlyn Serneche, and Denesse Daylisan, who led the Nazareth School to a championship in the GVIL last June.

The Lady Bulldogs will take on the Davao Selection team, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, and the revamped University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in a single round robin.

UP will parade its transferees from the University of the East, Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, setter Kizzie Madriaga, and libero Shamel Fernandez under new coach Fabio Menta.

The Fighting Maroons still have Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Niña Ytang, Kianne Olango, Yesha Noceja, and Bienne Bansil, who lifted their school from cellar dwellers to a sixth place finish with a 6-8 card in Season 87.