MANILA – Adamson University banked on Shaina Nitura to prevail over the University of San Carlos (USC), 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Visayas leg at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu on Friday night.

The Alas Pilipinas member delivered a game-high 28 points off 22 attacks, four blocks, and two aces as the Lady Falcons bounced back from a second-set loss to conquer the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champion Lady Warriors.

Frances Mordi chipped in 11 points, Red Bascon had nine, while Mary Ann Del Moral and Kim Rocha scored eight points apiece.

“Actually, we just need to go back to the basics, to the right mindset. We can't have a mindset that just because they're not UAAP teams. Other teams are also strong," Nitura said after the match.

"We should give respect to all the opponents we're going to face. Philippine volleyball is really different. Everyone will fight back."

Adamson head coach JP Yude fielded his second stringers in the second set where USC took a 24-21 lead. Nitura returned to the court and tied the score at 31-all but made a service error, allowing the Lady Warriors to keep the set on Julianne Yu's attack.

“I’m really happy with how they responded to what happened in the second set. That’s what we want to see, even if they lose a set, they’re eager to make up for it in the next set," Yude said.

Angel Galinato paced USC with 14 points, followed by Yu with nine and Ghanna Suan with eight.

In the other match, Ateneo de Manila University survived the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 29-27, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14.

Zey Mitzi Pacia scored 13 points off nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces; while Maria Robielle Angela Silla and Faith Nisperos contributed 12 points each for the Blue Eagles.

“We have a lot of rookies and it’s a new system. They need to know how to play in this situation. You have the fans, you have an opponent and you have to feel this kind of pressure,” Ateneo head coach, Brazilian Sergio Veloso, said.

“It’s so different in practice. I know my team in practice but they need to know they can perform the same in the match. It is the most important thing for us," Veloso said, commenting on Ateneo's 33 errors.

Angelica Salvador scored a game-high 17 points for the Lady Panthers, who rallied from 22-24 to take the third set. Cherish Dayame added 13 points, while Katrina Inot and Juciel Nadera scored seven points each. (PNA)