University of San Carlos celebrates against CESAFI rival University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the Cebu leg of the SSL National Invitationals, August 24, 2025 at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Mandaue City, Cebu. Handout/Shakey's Super LeagueMANILA -- University of San Carlos shook off an opening set loss to turn back University of Southern Philippines Foundation and secure a podium finish in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg on Sunday.
In a battle between CESAFI rivals, the Lady Warriors emerged victorious after rallying for a 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14 triumph at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Mandaue City, Cebu.
"Siguro 'yung eagerness ng mga girls na lang, yung eagerness nila noong second set, tumaas. Noong first set, nag-a-adjust pa eh," said Lady Warriors head coach Grace Antigua.
USC, which shocked Ateneo de Manila University in a grueling five-set battle last Saturday, finished the tournament with a 2-1 win-loss record.
The reigning CESAFI champion can end up with a second place finish if unbeaten Adamson University wins over the Blue Eagles in their match, still being played as of press time.
"Malaking bagay talaga, and thankful kami na nagpunta rito yung Shakey's Super League. Kasi ito yung parang preliminary game namin before Cesafi," added Antigua, who was a part of the national team that won gold in the 1981, 1985 and 1987 Southeast Asian Games.
Ghanna Suan led the Lady Warriors' balanced scoring with 14 points anchored on 13 attacks. Middle blocker Angel Galinato had 11 markers while Juliane Yu got all of her 10 points from kills including USC's last two points of the match.
The Lady Warriors shook off a 0-3 start in the fourth frame with a 10-3 fightback to take control of the frame. Another 10-2 barrage gave USC a commanding, 21-12 advantage.
Yu pushed USC at match point, 24-13, before USPF saved a point. Yu sealed the deal with a sharp cross.
The Lady Panthers finished their campaign winless after three outings.
Katrina Inot tallied 17 points, Cherish Dayame had 14 markers while Kaye Bunao and Faith Salbador submitted 10 each in a losing effort.
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.