Titleholder National University and rising squad University of the Philippines booked a final clash of unbeaten teams after dispatching separate foes in straight sets in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Davao Leg at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym.
NU made quick work of the Davao Selection, 25-9, 25-12, 25-14, on Saturday night, just a day after UP overcame a brief third-set scare to dominate the same squad, 25-11, 25-13, 25-15. The two UAAP heavyweights now brace for a collision course in the final day of the round-robin tournament on Sunday at 5:30 p.m., with the winner emerging as the Davao Leg champion.
The Lady Bulldogs once again flexed their depth and firepower behind skipper Vange Alinsug and prized rookie Sam Cantada. Alinsug poured in 13 points off 10 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Cantada, the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Invitational MVP, matched her output with eight spikes, three aces, and two blocks.
“Magandang exposure para sa mga bago naming players ito. Marami kaming natutunan and naayos na posisyon,” said NU assistant coach Alvin Dumalaog, whose squad dominated from the opening serve and never allowed the Davaoenas to get into rhythm.
Rookies Harlyn Serneche and Alexa Mata also made their presence felt with eight and five markers, respectively, as NU tallied 11 service aces and took advantage of Davao’s 16 errors.
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Meanwhile, UP set the tone for the tournament with a clinical debut on Friday, cruising in the first two sets before weathering a gritty stand by the Davao Selection in the third frame.
Transferee Casiey Dongallo led the charge with a game-high 15 points, including seven in the third set where UP had to erase a one-point deficit with an 8-0 run to regain control.
“Of course, when we start changing players, it’s not the same type of chemistry. We’ve only done ball for one month so not all 14 players are at the same level,” said UP head coach Fabio Menta, who opted to give his second unit some burn during the game.
Menta admitted the substitutions disrupted the flow, as UP committed 25 errors, but was pleased with how his players responded after a timeout helped them regroup and pull away for good.
“I just reminded them of what our rules are and then they went back to court. Of course, sometimes I have to show different faces so they get scared. Nothing serious,” the Italian mentor added with a chuckle.
Kiane Olango and Nina Ytang chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, as UP joined NU atop the standings, both sporting identical 2-0 records heading into their marquee matchup.
The host Davao Selection, composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and the University of Mindanao, absorbed back-to-back losses despite the efforts of Izabelle Andal, Angelica Ordinaria, and Elysha Cabingatan.
The Lady Bulldogs and the Fighting Maroons are now poised for a final day duel that many expect to mirror their looming battles in the UAAP.
“Excited kami kasi parang pre-UAAP na namin ito,” added Dumalaog. “Mas maganda na nandito na rin si Coach Sherwin [Meneses]. We’ll do our best. Pinaghahandaan talaga namin ito.”
The 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals is presented by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea, with Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com serving as technical partners. All games are streamed live and on-demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
