SSL National Invitationals 2025: Lady Eagles, Lady Falcons soar in SSL Cebu opener

The 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitation Cebu Leg opened with victories from both Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University soared past their respective matchups at the Mandaue City Sports Complex, August 22.

The Lady Eagles overcame a scrappy matchup with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers to carve out a 29-27, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14 win.

Zey Pacia led Ateneo’s scoring parade with 13 points of nine kills, two aces, and two rejections to propel her squad from the gritty Lady Panthers.

Despite the win, Ateneo’s head coach, Sergio Veloso, admitted that ball control was still a concern as they committed 33 errors in the whole match.

“It’s so different in practice. I know my team in practice but they need to know they can perform the same in the match. It is the most important thing for us.” Veloso said.

Meanwhile, the Adamson Lady Falcons shook off the University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors in four sets,  25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12.

Rising star Shaina Nitura spearheaded Adamson with a game-high 28 points off 22 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, helping the Falcons recover from a second-set stumble.

Both Ateneo and Adamson return to action on Saturday as they swap opponents in their next outings.