SSL National Invitationals 2025: Letran sweeps UB for bronze; FEU captures first title in Batangas leg

Juan Carlo Mercado

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights clinched third place while the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws completed a flawless title run, ruling the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Batangas leg at the University of Batangas Millennium Gym on August 31.

In the opener of the double-header, Letran fended off a late rally from the University of Batangas to secure a 25-22, 25-15, 25-20 sweep.

Determined to bounce back from back-to-back setbacks, Verenicce Colendra powered the Lady Knights with 21 points to seal a podium finish.

The Lady Knights nearly faltered in the third frame as the Brahmans mounted a comeback, but a composed 4-1 finishing kick allowed Letran to close out the sweep.

Head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki praised his team’s growth despite their short preparation.

“Well, the first game of the tournament was difficult for us, we weren’t in the game at all. Yesterday’s game was perfect for us, every player stepped up and I like that very much. I’ve been here for a month and I like the improvement,” said Aleksi Lahteenmaki.

“This game, we know our opponent is not that strong so I gave everybody a chance to play here,” he added.

Meanwhile, FEU wasted no time asserting dominance, dismantling College of St. Benilde, 25-21, 25-16, 25-19, to capture its first-ever SSL National Invitationals crown.

The Lady Tamaraws, runners-up last year, completed an unbeaten campaign to highlight their redemption run.

With the second set tied at 14-all, FEU went on a blistering 8-1 spurt to seize control, capped by a Camilla Bartolome attack that pierced CSB’s defense.

Best Player of the Batangas leg Faida Bakanke, together with Gerzel Petallo, Jazlyn Ellarina, and Alyzza Devosora, combined for 35 points to overwhelm the three-time NCAA champions.

Despite the sweep, head coach Tina Salak admitted her team had shaky moments early on but commended their composure.

“Overall, maganda ang ipinakita ng team. Medyo shaky lang yung pasa namin nung first set, nag-struggle kami sa pass. Marami kaming natutunan from this tournament because kailangan naming i-polish yung mga small balls namin, block and defense namin, especially yung pass,” said Lady Tamaraws head coach Tina Salak.