Ateneo de Manila University suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of University of San Carlos, falling in a reverse sweep, 19-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13, for the Lady Warriors’ first win in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Cebu Leg Saturday at the Mandaue Sports Complex.
This loss came just a week after the Blue Eagles dropped a straight-set decision to NCAA team College of Saint Benilde, 25-18, 25-18, 25-17, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. titlists displayed remarkable poise under pressure, outhustling the Blue Eagles in a nail-biting fifth set to the delight of the home crowd.
Angel Galinato and Ghanna Suan carried most of the scoring load, but it was USC’s fighting spirit and school pride that carried them through a grueling two-hour-and-19-minute match.
“Napakalaki na nito para sa amin kasi from the province at least meron na kaming isang nadali from Manila, malaking bagay ito sa confidence namin at saka at least they will improve,” said Lady Warriors head coach Grace Antigua.
The Lady Warriors rebounded from an opening-day four-set loss to Adamson University to tie Ateneo with a 1-1 win-loss record in the tournament.
Galinato and Suan finished with 18 points each and combined for 30 of USC’s 54 attack points.
Jerusha Atay added nine markers, while Esha Nasayao scored five, capped by a crucial middle hit that broke a 13-13 deadlock in the fifth frame.
USC clawed its way out of an 8-10 deficit in the fifth set with a 4-1 rally to lead 12-11.
Suan scored a kill block off Blue Eagles winger Faye Nisperos before Nisperos tied it at 13.
Nasayao then delivered a crisp middle kill to give USC the edge before Nisperos committed the final error from a short tip.
For Ateneo, Nisperos led with 17 points, Zey Pacia added 15, and Jihan Chuatico and Rob Silla chipped in 13 and 10 markers, respectively.
Despite the setback, the Blue Eagles can still clinch the gold medal in the single round-robin tournament if they beat undefeated Adamson (2-0) by straight or four sets on Sunday.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
Earlier, the Lady Falcons extended their winning streak with a comfortable 25-15, 25-10, 25-16 demolition of University of Southern Philippines Foundation Lady Panthers for a second straight win at the Cebu Leg.
Skipper Shaina Nitura continued her strong form with 15 points, including 12 kills, two aces, and a kill block.
Abigail Segui added 13 markers, while Lana Barrera and Frances Mordi contributed seven each.
“Ni-remind lang namin sila after ng game kahapon. Kaunting usap lang kami kung ano ‘yung nangyari. Good thing the response is very good for today’s game. Really thanked the Lord for how the players responded properly sa game na ito,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
The Lady Falcons amassed 48 kills and nine service winners in a quick 70-minute encounter, setting up a showdown against Ateneo on Sunday.
“It’s a big game for us para ma-boost ‘yung confidence ng mga bata sa paglalaro. It’s a very good game towards our game against Ateneo tomorrow,” Yude added.
USPF absorbed its second loss in as many outings after bowing to Ateneo in the opening day, 27-29, 20-25, 26-24, 14-25.
Katrina Inot led the Lady Panthers with seven points, while Cherish Dayame and Faith Salvador added five and four markers, respectively.
