Games today
(Mandaue Sports Complex)
5 p.m. – USPF vs Ateneo
7 p.m. – USC vs Adamson
THE SHAKEY’S Super League (SSL) makes a stop in Cebu to pit UAAP bets against Visayan standouts starting today at the Mandaue Sports Complex after a successful opening leg of the National Invitationals in Davao.
Adamson takes on CESAFI champion University of San Carlos (USC) in the main game at 7 p.m. after the curtain-raiser between Ateneo and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) at 5 p.m.
Led by UAAP Rookie of the Year, former UAAP juniors MVP and now Alas Pilipinas stalwart Shaina Nitura, the Lady Falcons loom as the heavy favorite to the win the tournament, which is a single-round robin format with the top team being crowned champion.
But coach JP Yude warns his charges against complacency especially with the capability of bets from Cebu, a hotbed for homegrown players, and the vastly-improved Ateneo squad.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa team na huwag magpakampante. Alam naman natin na lahat kami rito gustong talunin ang mga makakalaban. Siyempre home town din nila. We expect na magkakaroon kami ng magandang laban,” Mr. Yude said.
USC went winless while USPF reached the quarterfinals in their last SSL stints, making it a perfect opportunity to perform better in front of their home crowd.
Ateneo, for its part, shored up its roster with the addition of high school sensations Ana Francesca Hermosura and Dona Mae De Leon from the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League and Palarong Pambansa runner-up Bacolod Tay Tung.
“This tournament celebrates not just talent but unity, sportsmanship and the passion of our youth. Mandaue City is honored to be your stage. Together, let’s make this a tournament to remember,” Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano said.
“Cebu has been the center of volleyball in the Visayas for the longest time. Every year, we invite the best teams from the provincial championship, which is CESAFI but this time it’s different. We’re giving them the home court advantage. We want them to experience the excitement of their home crowd,” added league organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES) President Dr. Ian Laurel.
Reigning UAAP champion National U swept the Mindanao leg of the SSL National Invitationals against University of the Philippines, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and the Davao Selection featuring players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and the University of Mindanao.
Incoming rookie and former UAAP juniors MVP Sam Cantada was named the Best Player of the Davao leg.
The next leg of the renewed SSL National Invitationals under a regional format will be in Batangas City next month. — John Bryan Ulanday