National University flexed its firepower to turn back University of the Philippines, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, and clinch the 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Davao Leg title on Sunday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym.
Rookie sensation and Davao Leg Best Player Sam Cantada teamed up with seniors Arah Panique and team captain Vange Alinsug to power the Lady Bulldogs to back-to-back crowns in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.
The trio spearheaded NU’s bounce-back after conceding the second set, completing a clean three-game sweep of the competition. The event was also supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com as technical partners.
Panique was unstoppable, erupting for 25 points built on 21 attacks, two aces, and two kill blocks. Cantada, the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball Invitational Most Valuable Player, contributed 16 points from 11 kills and five service aces.
Alinsug chipped in 13 markers for the Lady Bulldogs, who overwhelmed the Fighting Maroons with 61 attack points and nine service aces, while also registering 10 kill blocks in a dominant all-around performance.
Decorated setter Lams Lamina orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets.
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The win over their tough UAAP rival also gave NU head coach Sherwin Meneses a better view of his rebuilding squad, especially following the departure of key players, including three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
“Siyempre sabi ko nga sa kanila, walang may gustong mawala ang mga star players namin pero pwede nang tularan at higitan. Yun ang sabi ko naman sa kanila. Ayun, yung mga naiwan na seniors maganda ang pagkahawak nila sa mga rookies namin,” said Meneses, who only rejoined the squad on Sunday after missing its first two matches, with assistant Alvin Dumalaog calling the shots in his absence.
NU maintained the momentum from its third-set rally to race to a 4-0 start in the fourth, setting the tone for a strong finish.
Panique’s emphatic kill block gave NU a commanding 15-7 cushion, allowing the team to cruise to victory. She fittingly sealed the deal with a powerful hit to close the match after two hours and 18 minutes of play.
Earlier, NU broke a 16-all deadlock in the third with a decisive 6-1 run, capped by three straight points from Panique. UP threatened with a late surge to close in at 23-20, but Davao City native Denesse Daylisan and Chams Maaya came through in the clutch to give NU a 2-1 match advantage.
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The Fighting Maroons, who settled for second place with a 2-1 win-loss record, were led by Casiey Dongallo’s 20-point output. Kianne Olango added nine, while Nina Ytang and Louise Bansil chipped in seven apiece.
The SSL’s three-leg tour continues from August 22 to 24 in Cebu, with the next leg set at the University of San Carlos.
Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University will test the mettle of host school USC and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the Visayas stop.
Fans can catch all the action live and on-demand through PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
