DAVAO CITY --- Mighty National University flexed its firepower in repulsing University of the Philippines, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, to rule the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg Sunday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym here.  

Best Player of the Davao Leg rookie Sam Cantada connived with veterans Arah Panique and skipper Vange Alinsug to power the Lady Bulldogs to a repeat crown.   

The trio willed NU back after surrendering the second frame to complete a three-game sweep of the competition.

Panique exploded for 25 points off 21 attacks, two aces and two kill blocks while Cantada, the reigning Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball Invitationals Most Valuable Player, delivered 16 markers anchored on 11 kills and five service winners.

Alinsug added 13 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who peppered the Fighting Maroons with 61 attack points and nine aces while hosting a block party with 10 kill blocks. Decorated setter Lams Lamina tallied 23 excellent sets for NU.  

The victory over its tough UAAP rival also gave Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses, who arrived early Sunday, a chance to gauge his rebuilding team following some key departures, including three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.

“I told them that nobody wants to see our star players go but what we can do is to be inspired by them and, if possible, surpass their achievements. The good thing is our seniors were able to guide our rookies well,” said Meneses, who took over the reins from deputy Alvin Dumalaog after skipping the team’s first two outings.         

NU sustained the momentum of its huge rally in the third frame to race to a 4-0 start in the fourth set, which set the tone for its dominating finish.

A Panique kill block gave the Lady Bulldogs a 15-7 separation as the team cruised the rest of the way. Panique punctuated NU’s latest conquest with a powerful kill to end the two-hour, 18-minute encounter.   

NU used a telling 6-1 run to shatter a 16-16 deadlock in the third set, capped by three straight points by Panique. UP closed the gap, 23-20, but Davao City pride Denesse Daylisan and Chams Maaya delivered the finishing touches for the Lady Bulldogs for a 2-1 match lead.

The Fighting Maroons settled for second place after closing their campaign with a 2-1 win-loss record.

Casiey Dongallo was the lone UP player in double figures with 20 points, Kianne Olango scored nine while Nina Ytang and Louise Bansil had seven each.

Action in the three-leg competition will resume on August 22 to 24 in Cebu at the University of San Carlos.

Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University will test the mettle of host school USC and University of Southern Philippines Foundation.