NU Lady Bulldogs sweep the Davao leg of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals.–SSL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University remained unstoppable in the post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era.
The Lady Bulldogs swept the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao leg after outwitting revamped University of the Philippines, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, on Sunday at University of Southeastern Philippines Gym.
Arah Panique unleashed 25 points off 21 kills, two aces, and two blocks to rule the Mindanao leg of the SSL, while rookie Sam Cantada emerged as the Best Player of the tournament with 16 points, highlighted by five aces.
Cantada dominated another SSL tournament after leading the Nazareth School to a Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball Invitational League title, where she won the MVP.
UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP and captain Vange Alinsug delivered 13 points, as fifth-year setter Lams Lamina had 23 excellent sets.
“Of course, like I told them, no one wants to lose our star players—but they can be matched or even surpassed. That’s what I reminded them,” said NU coach Sherwin Meneses, who returned to lead the team after missing their first two games. “The seniors who stayed have done a great job guiding our rookies.”
UP finished the tournament with a 2-1 record, with transferee Casiey Dongallo being the lone Fighting Maroon in double figures with 20 points.
Kianne Olango had nine points, while Niña Ytang was limited to seven.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University swept Davao Selection, 25-19, 25-23, 25-20, for the bronze medal.
Middle blocker Karylle Baclaan powered NDDU with 12 points off 10 kills and two blocks, while Kate Lopez added 10 points to finish the tournament with a victory after losing to the UAAP powerhouse teams.
Rhose Capili added nine points, playmaker Mariel Francisco tallied 16 excellent sets, while libero Princess Villacorta had 24 digs and seven excellent receptions for the General Santos City-based school.
“The other team really had the home court advantage. Our mindset was to get an early lead so we could shake off the nerves right away,” said NDDU coach Alvin Ambe. “What’s good, especially in the second set, is even though we were down by five points, the team fought back. I think this is where we’ll really learn how to build our composure during games.”
Elysha Cabingatan had 12 points for the Davao Selection, while Izabelle Andal added seven as the team composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College and University of Mindanao lost all of its three matches.
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The next leg will be held from August 22 to 24 in Cebu at University of San Carlos, with Ateneo and Adamson visiting the host school USC and University of Southern Philippines Foundation.
