Davao city: National University remains unsinkable despite the departure of key players. Minus three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Erin Pangilinan-who helped the team defend the UAAP title this year-the Lady Bulldogs managed to rule the Mindanao leg of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Sunday night.
According to Philippines News Agency, banking on veteran Arah Panique, skipper Evangeline Alinsug, setter Camille Victoria Lamina, and rookie sensation Samantha Cantada, NU pulled off a 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17 win over the University of the Philippines to sweep the three-day event at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City. “This is our first league as a rebuilding team. We are very happy because we got it. We know that many people thought that we were going to fall, but now we have witnessed that we can handle it even though our seniors are gone,” said Alinsug, who scored 13 points.
Panique led the Lady Bulldogs with 25 points off 21 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Cantada, the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Invitational Volleyball League MVP, chipped in 16 points anchored on 11 attacks and five service winners. Lamina made 23 excellent sets for NU, which had 61 attacks, nine aces, and 10 blocks. NU beat Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (25-19, 25-13, 25-19) and host Davao Selection (25-9, 25-12, 25-14), while UP prevailed over Davao Selection (25-11, 25-13, 25-15) and NDDU (25-19, 25-13, 25-19).
“I think UP is a team to beat in the UAAP. The battle is there, and I think it will be a big morale-booster for us when it comes to the UAAP,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses, who arrived Sunday morning in Davao City. His assistant, Alvin Dumalaog, took over in the first two games. “Those who are left behind, the system is already there. Of course, the main goal is the UAAP. We lost four seniors, so we will start again. We are looking for experience in the new team, then focus on training and hopefully, no injuries.”
Meanwhile, the Visayas leg is scheduled from Aug. 22 to 24 in Cebu City. Batangas will host the Luzon leg.
