UP FIghting Maroons in a game against Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in the Shakey’s Super League National Finals Davao Leg. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines and National University set up a championship duel for the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg after staying 2-0 on Saturday at University of Southeastern Philippines Gym
Niña Ytang scored seven of her 13 points in the second set as the Lady Bulldogs swept Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, 25-16, 27-25, 25-12, for a 2-0 record before ending their Davao stop against the defending champions.
READ: Shakey’s Super League: NU dominates in title-defense opener; Casiey Dongallo debuts
“Niña’s growing so much. Even physically she’s fitter than before, she’s jumping more,” Fighting Maroons coach Fabio Menta said of his prized middle blocker, who had eight attacks, three aces, and two blocks.
“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.
Jelai Gajero had 13 points, nine in the opening frame, while Casiey Dongallo and Irah Jaboneta added eight points each.
“We’re not the favorites, meaning we just got started and they are the champions. So, it’s gonna be interesting for us to see how mature we are in dealing with heavy pressure from the opponents,” Menta said.
Sisters Kate and Kaye Lopez led NDDU with eight and six points, respectively. Rhose Capili added five.
NU Rookie Sam Cantada in action in a game against Davao Selection in the Shakey’s Super League National Finals Davao Leg. –HANDOUT PHOTO
Meanwhile, Repeat-seeking NU dominated Davao Selection, 25-9, 25-12, 25-14, to also stay unbeaten in the Davao Leg.
Rookie Sam Cantada formed a potent combo with team captain and UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP Vange Alinsug, scoring 13 points each.
Cantada, the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Invitational Volleyball League MVP, scattered eight spikes, three aces, and two blocks, while Alinsug fired 10 attacks, two aces, and a block.
Rookie Harlyn Serneche had eight points, Chams Maaya scored seven, while Alexa Mata earned four of her five points from the service area.
“This was great exposure for our new players. We learned a lot and were also able to fix some of our positions,” said Lady Bulldogs assistant coach Alvin Dumalaog.
“We’re excited because it already feels like a pre-UAAP for us. It’s also good that Coach Sherwin (Meneses) is here now. We’ll do our best. We’ve been preparing for this for weeks, and the whole team is really working hard.”
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The Davao Selection committed 16 errors and allowed the Lady Bulldogs to land 11 aces. Izabelle Andal had six points.