A player of the University of the Philippines (right) scores during the game against Davao Selection in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City on Friday (Aug. 1, 2025). UP won, 25-11, 25-13, 25-15. (SSL photo)
The University of the Philippines set the tone early in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals, delivering a statement win over Davao Selection with a commanding 25-11, 25-13, 25-15 sweep Friday night at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
Casiey Dongallo powered the Fighting Maroons with 15 points, erupting for seven in the third set alone, where UP unleashed a dominant 8-0 run to flip a 9-10 deficit into a comfortable lead. Kiane Olango and Nina Ytang also stepped up, chipping in 12 and 11 points respectively.
Despite the rout, head coach Fabio Menta admitted the team still has much to improve on, particularly after racking up 25 unforced errors.
“We’ve only trained with the ball for one month. When we rotate players, the chemistry shifts and so does the tempo,” said Menta, noting how a mid-game change in setter sparked inconsistency. “I reminded them of our rules during a timeout. Sometimes, I need to show a different face to wake them up—but nothing serious.”
Davao Selection, featuring collegiate stars from Ateneo de Davao, Holy Cross of Davao College, and University of Mindanao, struggled to keep up. Elysha Cabingatan led the team with four points, while Isabelle Andal, Rika Sasaki, Rizza Salvanera, Angelica Ordinaria, and Kyle Esteves combined for 10.
Earlier in the day, UAAP back-to-back champions National University rolled past Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, 25-19, 25-13, 25-19.
Veteran scorer Kaye Bombita led the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points, while Arah Panique added eight. Rookies Samantha Cantada and Denesse Daylisan impressed in their SSL debut, tallying seven and six points respectively. Cantada, the recent MVP of the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League, continued to shine on a bigger stage.
“It was a solid outing. The key players we expected to deliver did just that,” said NU assistant coach Alvin Dumalaog. “We still have things to adjust, but overall, the team’s cohesion is there.”
Chams Maaya and team captain Vange Alinsug added seven and six points, while seasoned setter Lams Lamina orchestrated the offense with nine excellent sets.
The SSL National Invitationals follows a single round-robin format, with the team boasting the best record crowned champion.
After the Davao leg, the action heads to Cebu and Batangas for the next stages of the tournament, which is organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES) in partnership with the Davao City Sports Development Office, Mindanao Development Authority, University of Southeastern Philippines, Apo View Hotel, and CHED Region 11.