DEFENDING champion National University downed Davao Selection, 25-9, 25-12, 25-14, Saturday night, Aug. 2, 2025, to notch its second win in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
Skipper Evangeline Alinsug scored 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces and a block for the Lady Bulldogs.
Rookie sensation Samantha Cantada, the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Invitational Volleyball League MVP, also had 13 points on eight attacks, three service winners, and two blocks.
Freshman Harlyn Serneche contributed eight points, Minierva Maaya had seven points, and Alexa Nicole Mata added five points, including four aces.
“This is good exposure for our new players. We learned a lot and fixed positions,” NU assistant coach Alvin Dumalaog said.
Izabelle Andal scored six points, while Angelica Ordinaria chipped in four for the Davao Selection, which absorbed its second loss.
Meanwhile, Niña Ytang scored 13 points on eight attacks, three aces, and two blocks as the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons prevailed over Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), 25-16, 27-25, 25-12, to secure their second win.
Ytang delivered seven points in the second set, including three in a 7-0 run that allowed UP to overcome an 8-15 deficit.
The NDDU Lady Kingfishers regained the upper hand at 24-22 but the Fighting Maroons rallied behind Joan Monares and Ytang to grab the lead at 25-24.
After NDDU’s Kaye Lopez scored to make it 25-all, UP won the next two points on Irah Jabobeta’s hit and NDDU’s error to claim the set.
“Niña’s growing so much. Even physically she’s fitter than before, she’s jumping more. I think she’s starting to understand her potential value. She’s not looking at herself like what she is, I think she’s looking at herself as what she’s gonna be. She’s listening and she’s doing so greatly,” UP head coach Fabio Menta said.
Jelai Gajero also had 13 points, while Casiey Dongallo and Jaboneta scored eight points each. / PNA
