MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Shaina Nitura put on a scoring clinic to power Adamson past University of San Carlos, 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12, in Day 1 of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg Friday at the Mandaue Sports Complex here.
The Alas Pilipinas member fired a game-high 28 points as the Lady Falcons set their title bid in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea in motion.
Earlier, Ateneo overcame a shaky and error-filled outing to pull off a 29-27, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14 victory over University of Southern Philippines Foundation.
The Blue Eagles banked on Zey Pacia, Rob Silla and Faye Nisperos in a strong fourth set bounce back following a third frame meltdown to silence the home team in the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso lauded his young crew for its patience and composure despite the tough challenge given by the pesky Lady Panthers.
Nitura poured 15 of her output in Adamson’s strong response in the third and fourth sets after letting the feisty reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champions Lady Warriors claim the second frame.
The winger pounded 22 attacks, tallied four kill blocks and two aces for Adamson.
Frances Mordi added 11 markers, Red Bascon scored nine while Mary Ann Del Moral and Kim Rocha submitted eight points each for the Lady Falcons, who survived an atrocious 36-error outing.
“Actually, kailangan lang namin ulit bumalik sa basic, sa tamang mindset na hindi pwedeng ganoon ang mindset namin na porke’t di sila UAAP teams. Kasi ang lakas din nung ibang teams,” Nitura said.
“Yun nga ang sinasabi ko na dapat we give respect sa lahat ng opponents na kakalabanin namin kasi lahat may ibubuga. Sabi nga natin iba na talaga ang Philppine volleyball. Lahat talaga may palag na.”
USC gave Adamson a tough time in the second frame after head coach JP Yude fielded his second stringers to give them exposure and rest Nitura.
The Lady Falcons went down, 21-24, before Nitura willed them back in the game saving seven set point advantages in the extended second frame. Nitura tied it at 31 but committed a costly service error before Julianne Yu ended the marathon set with a kill.
