Games Saturday:
(University of Southeastern Philippines Gym)
3:30 p.m. — UP vs Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
6 p.m. — NU vs Davao Selection
DAVAO CITY — University of the Philippines survived an early third set scare by Davao Selection to take a 25-11, 25-13, 25-15, win at the start of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg opener Friday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym here.
After cruising in the first two frames, the Fighting Maroons found the Davaoenas’ resistance tougher in the third set and even trailed by one before unleashing an 8-0 scoring barrage to bring order back.
Transferee Casiey Dongallo poured seven of her game-high 15 points in the third set for the Diliman-based squad.
Kiane Olango and Nina Ytang added 12 and 11 markers, respectively, as UP joined reigning champion National University in the opening day winners’ list of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Fighting Maroons head coach Fabio Menta tried to give his bench minutes and exposure but it backfired as the Davao Selection took a 10-9 advantage.
“When we start changing players, of course, it’s not the same type of (chemistry) inside. We’ve only done ball only for one month so not all 14 players are the same level right now. It changes the tempo. Changing the setter started forcing too many (errors) and gave courage to the other team,” the Italian mentor said, citing his team’s 25 errors.
Menta called time for UP to regroup and his wards answered with a strong response to erase the deficit and pull away for good.
“I just reminded them of what our rules are and then they went back to court. Of course, sometimes I have to show different faces so they get scared. Nothing serious. But I saw mistakes we are not supposed to make,” Menta quipped.
Elysha Cabingatan led the Davao Selection with four points. Izabelle Andal, Rika Sasaki, Rizza Salvanera, Angelica Ordinaria and Kyle Esteves combined for 10 points for the host squad composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College and University of Mindanao.
Action in the tournament, which has Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners, resumes Saturday with UP taking on Notre Dame of Dadiangas University at 3:30 p.m. followed by NU-Davao Selection tussle at 6 p.m.
Games are available live and on-demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
