University of San Carlos Lady Warriors during a match against University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitation – Cebu Leg.
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu —Cesafi champion University of San Carlos shook off a flat start and asserted its mastery of University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14, to secure a podium finish in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg on Sunday at Mandaue Sports Complex.
Just after their 19-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13 stunner over Ateneo less than 24 hours ago, the weary Lady Warriors stumbled in the opening frame but quickly regrouped to be assured of at least a bronze medal with a 2-1 finish in the four-team, three-day Invitationals Leg 2 in Cebu.
LIVE UPDATES: Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals – Cebu Leg
If Adamson completes a three-game sweep in its ongoing match against Ateneo as of posting time, USC will settle as runner-up of the Visayas leg.
“I think it was really the girls’ eagerness that made the difference; their energy picked up in the second set. In the first set, they were still adjusting,” said USC coach Grace Antigua in Filipino.
“This whole experience is a big deal for us, and we’re really thankful that the Shakey’s Super League came here. It was a great event for our Cesafi season.”
READ: USC says win over UAAP team Ateneo a big confidence booster
Ghanna Suan, buoyed by her 18-point performance against Ateneo, sustained her fine form with 14 points. Angel Galinato was still a force in the middle with 11 points, highlighted by three blocks, while Julianne Yu scored nine of her 10 points in the fourth set.
Jerusha Atay, a key player in their upset of the Blue Eagles, remained instrumental with eight points.
After USC’s momentum-shifting second set win, USPF fought back in the third, erasing a 20-16 deficit behind Cherish Dayame and even saving a set point at 24-23. But Suan closed it out with a quick attack to give USC a 2-1 lead.
The Lady Warriors bucked a 0-3 start in the fourth before mounting a 23-13 spread off Esha Nasayao’s block. Yu scored the last two points to clinch the podium finish
USPF ended up winless in three games despite Katrina Inot’s 17-point effort. Dayame had 14, while Kaye Buñao and Faith Salvador added 10 each.
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SSL wraps up its three-tournament National Invitationals in Luzon with UAAP’s Far Eastern University, NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde and runner-up Letran, and host University of Batangas competing on August 29-31.