Games Friday
(Mandaue Sports Complex)
5 p.m. – USPF vs Ateneo
7 p.m. – USC vs Adamson
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Adamson gets an early acid test when it takes on the dangerous University of San Carlos as the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg unfolds Friday, Aug. 22, at the Mandaue Sports Complex here.
Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude expects a dogfight in their 7 p.m. encounter with the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) champions Lady Warriors.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa team na huwag magpakampante. Alam naman natin na lahat kami rito gustong talunin ang mga makakalaban. Siyempre home town din nila. We expect na magkakaroon kami ng magandang laban,” said Yude.
All eyes will be on Alas Pilipinas member Shaina Nitura as she tries to lead Adamson to the throne after a runner-up finish in the 2023 edition of the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
USC, on the other hand, is looking for payback following a winless stint in last year’s edition.
Meanwhile, first-time participant Ateneo battles University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the curtain-raiser at 5 p.m.
The Blue Eagles will parade their prized recruits Ana Francesca Hermosura and Dona Mae De Leon from the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League runner-up Bacolod Tay Tung.
A quarterfinalist in the previous edition, the Lady Panthers are determined to capture a breakthrough title in front of their adoring Cebuano fans.
The tournament, which has Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners, is in its second of three provincial stops.
“This tournament celebrates not just talent but unity, sportsmanship and the passion of our youth. Mandaue City is honored to be your stage. Together, let’s make this a tournament to remember,” said Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano.
Cebu, a known volleyball hotbed in the Visayas, is the latest battleground for the three-day volleyball action, which pits teams in a single round-robin format. The squad with the best win-loss record or match points earned, if necessary, will be declared champion.
“Cebu has been the center of volleyball in the Visayas for the longest time. Every year, we invite the best teams from their provincial championship, which is CESAFI; their top two teams represent them in our tournament in Manila. But this time it’s different. We’re giving them the home court advantage,” said league organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES) president Dr. Ian Laurel.
“They’ll be hosting the Manila-based teams this time. We want them to experience the excitement of their home crowd.”
National University dominated the opening leg in Davao City three weeks ago, sweeping University of the Philippines, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, and the Davao Selection, which was composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and the University of Mindanao.
Lady Bulldogs rookie Sam Cantada was named Best Player of the Davao Leg.
SSL Invitationals will visit Batangas for its final leg next month.
Games are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
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