SSL National Invitationals 2025: Adamson concludes Cebu leg unblemished; USC secures podium

Adamson University closed out the Cebu leg of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals with an unblemished sweep, as the University of San Carlos fought through tests to clinch a podium finish and complete the Visayas cast, August 25.

The Lady Falcons soared past the Blue Eagles, 25-15, 26-24, 25-14, at the Mandaue Sports Complex to complete a three-game sweep of the Cebu leg.

They earlier trounced CESAFI bets University of San Carlos and University of Southern Philippines Foundation to avenge their runner-up finish in last year’s edition.

Team captain Shaina Nitura once more proved unstoppable, tallying 15 kills, four aces, and four blocks to bag the Best Player of the Cebu Leg award.

After Ateneo forced a deuce in the second frame, Nitura spearheaded a closing 6-2 spurt capped by a backrow kill that put Adamson ahead, 2-0, before sealing the sweep with ease in the third.

The Falcon talisman’s late heroics spared Adamson from a collapse after Ateneo clawed back from 20-23, with Zey Pacia drilling a crosscourt to knot the frame at 23.

“I thank God for the performance of my players… three straight wins nakuha namin,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude, adding he was proud and happy to see “unti-unti na may progress” in the Lady Falcons.

Pacia topscored with 15 in a gallant stand but could not prevent the Blue Eagles to settle for bronze with a 1-2 record.

The Lady Falcons’ triumph also secured a runner-up finish for USC, which earlier capped its campaign with a gritty four-set win over rival USPF.

The Lady Warriors shrugged off a flat start to turn back the Lady Panthers, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14, and finished with a 2-1 card.

After a five-set upset against Ateneo a night earlier, USC steadied its blocking department and floor defense to seize control of the match.

“Siguro ‘yung eagerness ng mga girls na lang, yung eagerness nila noong second set, tumaas,” said head coach Grace Antigua, who called the SSL stop a “big deal” and a vital tune-up ahead of their CESAFI campaign.

“This whole experience is a big deal for us, and we’re really thankful that the Shakey’s Super League came here,” added Antigua, the former national team standout who anchored the Philippines to SEA Games gold in the 1980s.

Ghanna Suan fired 14 points on 13 clean kills, middle blocker Angel Galinato added 11 with three rejections, and Julianne Yu sparked a fourth-set breakaway with nine of her 10 points.

USC stormed back from a 0-3 hole in the fourth with a blistering 10-3 run, then pulled away for good behind Yu’s late crosscourt to secure a podium finish.

Katrina Inot led the Lady Panthers with 17 points, which ended winless despite strong outings from Cherish Dayame, Kaye Buñao, and Faith Salvador.

With the Davao and Cebu legs in the books, the SSL National Invitationals now shifts to Batangas on August 29–31, where NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, Letran, FEU, and host University of Batangas vie for supremacy before the tour culminates in Cagayan de Oro. 

Staged by ACES Inc., the four-leg series matches UAAP and NCAA powers against provincial standouts in compact three-day tournaments — for Adamson, a proving ground to fortify its national stature; for USC and other locals, a rare stage to test themselves against Manila’s elite.