Adamson University and Ateneo de Manila University opened their 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Cebu Leg campaigns with contrasting yet equally impressive victories, stamping their class on Day 1 Friday at the Mandaue Sports Complex.
The Lady Falcons leaned on national team standout Shaina Nitura’s explosive 28-point performance to dispatch reigning CESAFI champion University of San Carlos, 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles overcame a shaky, error-prone outing to outlast host squad University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 29-27, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14.
Nitura, a member of Alas Pilipinas, was relentless in Adamson’s bounce-back effort after a second-set collapse, delivering 22 attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces. She sparked a strong surge in the third and fourth sets as the Lady Falcons shrugged off 36 errors and a gutsy stand from USC.
Supporting her were Frances Mordi (11 points), Red Bascon (9), and veterans MG Del Moral and Kim Rocha (8 each).
“Actually, kailangan lang namin bumalik sa basics, sa tamang mindset. Hindi pwedeng i-underestimate kahit sinong kalaban. Lahat may ibubuga,” said Nitura, whose leadership steadied Adamson after USC stunned them in the marathon second frame, capped by Julianne Yu’s winning kill. “Iba na talaga ang level ng Philippine volleyball ngayon.”
Adamson coach JP Yude praised his squad’s composure.
“I’m really happy with how they responded after losing the second set. That’s what we want to see — immediate recovery,” he said.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Earlier, Ateneo showcased its rebuilding core under Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso. The team relied on young guns Zey Pacia, Rob Silla, and Faye Nisperos to weather USPF’s spirited challenge.
The Blue Eagles dropped the third set after wasting match points but regained their bearings in the fourth, pulling away 18-10 before closing out the match.
Pacia led Ateneo with 13 points, Silla chipped in 12, and Nisperos delivered 12 markers, including 10 kills. Veloso acknowledged the team’s struggles, citing 33 unforced errors, but lauded their composure.
“We have a lot of rookies and a new system. They need to feel this kind of pressure, with fans and tough opponents. The important thing is they learn to perform like they do in practice,” he said.
USPF showed grit, battling back in the first and third sets behind Angelica Salvador’s 17 points and Cherish Dayame’s 13.
The Lady Panthers, however, couldn’t sustain their momentum as Ateneo’s offense clicked when it mattered most.
Saturday’s Cebu Leg action continues with Adamson facing USPF and Ateneo colliding with USC, both looking to stay unbeaten in the tournament supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea, Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com.
