Adamson University stamped its class on Sunday, completing a flawless run to claim the 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Cebu Leg crown, while University of San Carlos secured a podium finish in front of its home crowd at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu.
The Lady Falcons were unstoppable, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-15, 26-24, 25-14, behind the explosive outing of team captain and Alas Pilipinas member Shaina Nitura, who erupted for 23 points built on 15 kills, four aces, and four blocks.
Nitura sealed the deal with back-to-back service aces to close out the match and punctuate Adamson’s redemption run after settling for second place in 2023.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
“I thank God for the performance of my players. I’m very proud sa mga bata and happy to see their progress. Three straight wins nakuha namin,” said head coach JP Yude, who also led the Lady Baby Falcons to the 2024 Shakey’s Girls Invitational Volleyball League title.
Adamson’s dominance was evident, especially in the third set when they surged ahead 19-9 before Ateneo trimmed the gap. But Nitura took over, delivering a personal 6-2 finishing kick to secure the sweep.
Frances Mordi and Lhouriz Tuddao added 12 and seven points, respectively, for Adamson.
Ateneo’s Zey Pacia tried to rally the Blue Eagles with 15 points and even forced a deuce late in the second frame, but consecutive errors proved costly.
Pacia’s short serve at 24-all allowed Tuddao to nail an ace that gave Adamson a 2-0 cushion before the decisive set.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
The loss relegated Ateneo (1-2) to a bronze finish, while host team University of San Carlos claimed silver with a 2-1 card after taking down archrival University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the earlier match.
The Lady Warriors fought back from a set down to prevail, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14, in front of the Cebuano faithful.
Ghanna Suan led the way with 14 points off 13 attacks, while middle blocker Angel Galinato added 11 markers. Juliane Yu also shone with 10 points, all on kills, including the final two that sealed USC’s win.
The three-leg SSL National Invitationals, supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R&B Milk Tea, and technical partners Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com, will conclude with its final stop in Batangas from August 29 to 31.
NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, Letran, Far Eastern University, and University of Batangas will battle for the crown.
