Adamson celebrates against Ateneo during their match 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 -- The Adamson Lady Falcons will continue to put in the work after capturing a breakthrough crown in the Cebu leg of the Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals in Mandaue City.
This was the promise made by Adamson skipper Shaina Nitura in the wake of their 25-15, 26-24, 25-14 sweep of Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday night at the Mandaue Sports Complex.
The straight-sets win over their fellow UAAP squad completed Adamson's sweep of the leg, having earlier beaten CESAFI teams University of San Carlos and University of Southern Philippines Foundation.
READ: Adamson sweeps Ateneo to rule Cebu leg of SSL Nat'l Invitationals
"Very grateful and thankful kasi binigyan kami ng opportunity ni God at binigay Niya ng championship sa amin. Siguro, iti-take namin 'to para mag-improve pa kami as a team kasi hindi naman dito nagtatapos yung journey namin," said Nitura, who earned Best Player of the Cebu leg honors.
The reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year scored 23 points -- including Adamson's last six -- to send the Lady Falcons to the top of the podium after a runner-up finish in the 2023 edition.
"Actually, start pa lang 'to and preparation talaga namin 'to for UAAP," said Nitura, also a member of the Alas Pilipinas women's volleyball team. "If mayroon pang opportunities na darating na ibibigay ni God, we're just gonna grab it and kukunin namin lahat ng experiences."
The Lady Falcons are hopeful that their impressive campaign in the preseason will lead to positive results in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament. The San Marcelino-based squad has missed the Final Four the last two seasons.
Adamson head coach JP Yude has observed great progress with the team's chemistry and skills but reminded his wards not to rest on their laurels.
"So far, yes naman — onti-onti. At the same time, sabi ko nga, nasa process pa rin kami," said Yude, who also steered the Baby Lady Falcons to the Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitationals League throne last year.
Yude took advantage of the tournament to give his young players valuable experience and build their confidence.
"Pagdating ng panahon at least may mga experience. Nakuha naman namin 'yung goal, pero at the same time hindi pa 'to totally 'yun. May mga liga pa sa Manila, and through that, makakakuha pa ng experience ang mga bata," he added.
Action in the National Invitationals resumes on August 29 with the Batangas leg, with NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, Letran, Far Eastern University and University of Batangas set to compete.