Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura tries to score against University of San Carlos’ Allyssah Diez in the Cebu leg of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Mandaue Sports Complex on Friday (Aug. 22, 2025). Nitura scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Lady Falcons to victory, 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12. (Photo courtesy of SSL)
Adamson University leaned on the stellar play of Shaina Nitura to overpower the University of San Carlos (USC), 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Visayas leg at the Mandaue Sports Complex on Friday night.
Nitura, also a member of Alas Pilipinas, erupted for 28 points built on 22 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, steering the Lady Falcons past the CESAFI champions after a slip in the second set.
Supporting her effort, Frances Mordi chipped in 11 points, Red Bascon added nine, while Mary Ann Del Moral and Kim Rocha tallied eight apiece.
“Actually, we just need to go back to the basics, to the right mindset. We can’t think that just because they’re not UAAP teams, they’re not strong. We should give respect to all our opponents,” Nitura said. “Philippine volleyball is really different. Everyone will fight back.”
Head coach JP Yude experimented with his second stringers in the second set, giving USC a 24-21 edge. Nitura came back to tie the score at 31-all but faltered with a service error, allowing the Lady Warriors to steal the set through Julianne Yu’s attack.
“I’m really happy with how the team responded after the second set. That’s what we want to see—no matter if they drop a set, they bounce back stronger in the next,” Yude said.
USC’s Angel Galinato led her side with 14 points, while Yu added nine and Ghanna Suan chipped in eight.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University turned back the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 29-27, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14, behind balanced scoring from Zey Mitzi Pacia (13 points), Maria Robielle Angela Silla (12), and Faith Nisperos (12).
“We have a lot of rookies and it’s a new system. They need to know how to play in this situation—with fans, with pressure, with a real opponent,” said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso. “In practice it’s different, but they need to learn they can deliver the same performance in matches.”
Despite Ateneo’s 33 errors, Veloso credited the team’s composure in key moments. Angelica Salvador paced the Lady Panthers with a game-high 17 points, while Cherish Dayame (13), Katrina Inot (7), and Juciel Nadera (7) provided support.