Heavyweights National University (NU) and the University of the Philippines (UP) headline Day 1 action in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao City Leg, which kicks off Friday, August 1, at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym.
The NU Lady Bulldogs face Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) at 5 p.m., following the showdown between the UP Lady Maroons and host Davao Selection in the tournament opener. The three-day meet is part of the 2025 Kadayawan Sports Festival.
NU boasts a loaded lineup led by Evangeline Alinsug, Samantha Chloey Cantada, Denesse Daylisan, Myrtle Escanlar, and Celine Elizabeth Marsh, with added firepower from Nathasza Kaye Bombita, Aishat Bello, and Harlyn Serneche. Holding down the middle are Rashel Bajamonde, Lyzel Kate del Peña, Jenelyn Jacob, Minierva Maaya, Alexa Nichole Mata, and Josline Salazar, while playmakers Camilla Lamina, Abegial Pono, and Chaitlin Mauricio orchestrate the attack. Defensive duties fall to IC Cepada and Shaira Mae Jardio.
UP counters with the likes of Joan Marie Monares, Yesha Noceja, Casiey Monique Dongallo, and Irah Anika Jaboneta, along with Bienne Louise Bansil, Niña Ytang, Cassandra Gamboa, and Shianly Zerna, adding muscle at the net. They’ll rely on Kizze Madriaga and Julia de Leon to steer the offense, with Lavhinia Jean Sasondoncillo and Gracen Shamel Fernandez on floor patrol.
"We’re going up against the best in the region and, of course, NU, the best of all. It’s gonna be interesting because every time I travel the country, I see great potential in players. So, it’s gonna be interesting to see how we’re gonna react to different styles (of teams)," UP head coach Fabio Menta said during Thursday's press conference at the Shakey's Gaisano Mall of Davao.
The Davao Selection, eager to defend home turf, brings in local standouts Fancois Elysha Cabingatan, Alshaila Noro, Anglinca Ordinaria, Rika Sasaki, Kyle Jireh Esteves, Samantha Louise Jimenez, and Izabelle Jacob Andal, along with court leaders Lyberica Marie Yee, Charlene Kaye Rubio, and Cahre Nablea, and defensive anchors Nicole Bacamante and Angel Molly Fuentes.
Meanwhile, NDDU Lady Kingfishers fields a strong core of Excel Kaye Lopez, Sophia Aguas, Mihcaella Kristine Peneza, Rhose Angeline Capili, Jea Peñaranda, Karylle Baclaan, Kate Gwyneth Inot, Angelica Depita, Ruzzel Mae Barong, Giselle Velasco, Mariel Ann Francisco, Stifanny Villarosa, and Princess Joy Villacorta.
NDDU head coach Alvin Ambe said, "We're happy and pressured at the same time because our supporters are here to see us play. But whatever the result is, it will benefit NDDU because we'll learn a lot not only from NU but from all our opponents."
The team with the best win-loss record at the end of the single round-robin will be crowned champion. If needed, match points will break any ties.
Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES) president Dr. Ian Laurel emphasized that the 50th anniversary of Shakey’s, a long-time supporter and driver of local volleyball, calls for something special. He shared that the goal is to bring the excitement of the game closer to fans across Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon, while also giving provincial teams the chance to compete in front of their families, friends, and communities, inspiring more young athletes to take up the sport.
Secure your seats early via www.smtickets.com until July 31, or grab them at the venue from August 1 to 3.
Ticket prices: ₱600 for VIP, ₱400 for courtside, and ₱200 for upper bleachers.
On Saturday, August 2, NU Lady Bulldogs will have a fan meet at SM City Davao’s Expansion Wing Atrium at 1 p.m. MLSA WITH PNA REPORT