Adamson's Shaina Nitura in action against Ateneo in the Cebu leg of the Shakey's Super League National Invitationals, August 24, 2025 at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Mandaue City, Cebu. Handout/SSL
MANILA -- Adamson University completed a perfect campaign in the Cebu leg of the Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Sunday by making quick work of Ateneo de Manila University.
The Lady Falcons soared past the Blue Eagles, 25-15, 26-24, 25-14, at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Mandaue City for a three-game sweep of the competition.
They had earlier beaten CESAFI teams University of San Carlos and University of Southern Philippines Foundation.
Team captain Shaina Nitura was the star once more for Adamson, putting up 15 kills, four aces, and four kill blocks en route to claiming the Best Player of the Cebu Leg award.
After surviving Ateneo's fightback in the second set, Adamson rode their momentum to surge to a 19-9 lead, though three straight errors by the Lady Falcons allowed the Blue Eagles to close within seven.
Nitura took matters into her own hands, uncorking a personal 6-2 closing run to complete Adamson's redemption run after a runner-up finish in the 2023 edition.
"I thank God for the performance of my players. I thank God for this tournament na three straight wins nakuha namin. I'm very proud sa mga bata. And really happy na nakikita ko sila na unti-unti na may progress," said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude, who also steered the Lady Baby Falcons to the 2024 Shakey's Girls Invitational Volleyball League.
Adamson's masterful victory also handed the home team reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champion University of San Carlos a second place finish.
READ: USC beats CESAFI rival USPF to reach Super League podium
The Lady Warriors defeated archrival University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14, in their final match in the tournament backed by Shakey's Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
USC, which stunned Ateneo in a thrilling five-setter last Saturday, closed its campaign with a 2-1 card. The Lady Panthers had a winless outing.
Adamson celebrates after beating Ateneo to rule the Cebu leg of the Shakey's Super League National Invitationals, August 24, 2025 at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Mandaue City, Cebu. Handout/SSL
Frances Mordi had 12 points while Lhouriz Tuddao got seven for Adamson.
The Lady Falcons survived a late second set scare after squandering a three-point lead. Adamson saw its 23-20 advantage evaporate after the Blue Eagles scored three unanswered points as Zey Pacia tied it at 23 with a sharp cross.
Nitura put Adamson at set point with a backrow kill but Pacia answered with a hit for the deuce. However, Pacia sent his serve short in the next play as Tuddao landed an ace for the Lady Falcons' 2-0 match lead.
Ateneo, which got 15 points from Pacia, settled for bronze with a 1-2 slate.
The three-leg tournament will make a final stop in Batangas from August 29 to 31.
NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, Letran, Far Eastern University and University of Batangas will vie for the crown in the competition, which has Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.