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DAVAO CITY --- National University barely looked like a team rebuilding from key departures after a dominating performance for a repeat title in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg.
The Lady Bulldogs proved doubters wrong by having the same powerful bite to complete a three-game sweep, capped by a gritty 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17 victory over a retooled University of the Philippines on Sunday evening in front of a huge Davao crowd at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym here.
Veteran Arah Panique, skipper Vange Alinsug and decorated setter Lams Lamina guided a relatively younger NU squad in passing its first test with flying colors following the exit of its main gunners in three-time UAAP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan after winning back-to-back UAAP titles a few months back.
“Ito ang first league namin as a rebuilding team. Sobrang happy namin kasi nakuha namin ito. Alam namin na maraming tao na ang akala nila babagsak na kami pero ngayon na-witness po namin na kayang-kaya namin kahit wala na ‘yung mga seniors namin,” said Alinsug, who scored 13 points in a revenge win over NU’s UAAP Season 87 second round tormentor.
The Lady Bulldogs swept Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and host Davao Selection before encountering a tough battle against erstwhile unbeaten Fighting Maroons in a thrilling final match of the round robin format tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
NU dropped a set after for the first time in the competition when transferee Casiey Dongallo and Joan Monares found their groove in powering UP in the second set.
But the Lady Bulldogs won’t be denied glory after Panique, who dropped 25 points, Best Player of the Davao Leg rookie Sam Cantada along with Alinsug came out with all guns blazing in the next two frames to conquer the competition supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.
“Yung UP kasi medyo merge eh. So maganda yung mga tao nila, talagang paghahandaan mong mabuti,” NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said.
“I think ‘yung team nila is a team to beat sa UAAP. Nandoon yung labanan and I think magiging malaking morale-booster ito sa amin pagdating sa UAAP.”
The multi-titled mentor credited his holdovers for embracing their new roles as leaders.
“’Yung mga naiwan, nandoon na 'yung sistema. Siyempre ang main goal is 'yung UAAP. Mag-start kami ng bago kasi siyempre apat na seniors ang nawala sa amin so mag-start ulit kami,” said Meneses.
“Hinahanap namin 'yung experience sa bagong team then focus sa training and hopefully no injuries.”
Action in the three-leg competition will resume on August 22 to 24 in Cebu.
Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University will test the mettle of University of San Carlos and University of Southern Philippines Foundation.
