DAVAO CITY—Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and a selection of Davao’s top college volleyball stars test their mettle against two of the country’s best collegiate teams in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg unfurling Friday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym here.
The Lady Kingfishers battle defending champion National University at 5 p.m. to kick off the thrilling three-day Mindanao leg of the competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Meanwhile, the Davao Selection takes on University of the Philippines in the main game of the tourney, which has Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners, at 7 p.m.
The team with the best win-loss record or match points earned, if necessary, in the single round-robin format, will be declared champion in the first of the three provincial stops.
NDDU makes its return to the competition after its 2023 stint.
“Ang mindset namin is since NU is a very stellar team ay mabigyan sila ng magandang laban at di ma-intimidate ang mga bata,” Lady Kingfishers head coach Alvin Ambe said during the press launch of the tilt Thursday at Shakey’s Gaisano Mall.
“Masaya and pressured at the same time kasi nandito ang mga supporters namin to see us play. But whatever the result is, it will benefit NDDU kasi we’ll learn a lot ‘di lang sa NU kundi sa lahat ng mga makakalaban namin,” he added.
The Lady Bulldogs, fresh from their UAAP title conquest, begin life without three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who both decided to turn pro.
But NU, the reigning three-time SSL Collegiate Pre-Season Championship champion, remains the team to beat with a solid lineup led by holdovers decorated setter Lams Lamina, Vange Alinsug, libero Shaira Jardio and Arah Panique. Shakey’s Girls V-League MVP Sam Cantada, Harlyn Serneche and Denesse Daylisan, who led NU-Nazareth School to the 2025 SGVIL crown, are all raring to make a huge impact in their senior debuts.
The Davao Selection is composed of the finest talents from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College and University of Mindanao.
On the other hand, veterans Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta and Joan Monares banner the Fighting Maroons, who will also showcase blue-chip transferees Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, setter Kizzie Madriaga, and libero Shamel Fernandez.
“We’re going up against the best in the region and, of course, NU, the best of all. It’s gonna be interesting because every time I travel the country, I see great potential in players,” UP head coach Fabio Menta said.
“So, it’s gonna be interesting to see how we’re gonna react to different styles (of teams).”
The SSL, in partnership with the City of Davao, Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office, Mindanao Development Authority, Apo View Hotel, Commission on Higher Education Region XI and the University of Southeastern Philippines, came up with a tour style format to showcase the talents of provincial squads in front of their home crowd as well as part of its main sponsor’s golden anniversary celebration.
“Of course, because this is also the 50th anniversary of Shakey’s, which has been synonymous with local volleyball and the catalyst to development and promotion of the sport, we want to come up with something special,” said Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES) president Dr. Ian Laurel.
“We want to bring the excitement closer to our Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon fans. We want the provincial teams to be able to play in front of their families, friends, classmates, kababayans. Para naman ganahan sila and ma-inspire na maglaro.”
The next two legs will be held in Cebu and Batangas.
Games are available live and on-demand via Puso Pilipinas and Solar Sports.
