DAVAO CITY — Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) salvaged a third place finish after trouncing Davao Selection, 25-19, 25-23, 25-20, on Sunday’s conclusion of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym.
The Lady Kingfishers showed grace under pressure, coming back from five points down in a challenging second set before restoring order in the next frame for a 1-2 win-loss record finish.
Middle blocker Karylle Baclaan led the way for the General Santos City-based squad with 12 points off 10 kills and two kill blocks while Kate Lopez scored all but one of her 10 points from spikes.
“Our opponents have the home court advantage so our mindset is to get in front as early as we can to get the pressure off our backs,” NDDU head coach Alvin Ambe said.
“What’s great about it especially in the second set, the players worked hard to come back from five points down. I think through this we’ll be able to develop our composure,” Ambe added.
NDDU controlled the opening set but fell to an 18-13 hole in the second frame with Elysha Cabingatan and Emy Taguiran powering the Davaoenas.
The Lady Kingfishers mounted a 6-1 counterattack to knot it at 19. Davao Selection went back in front, 23-22, before NDDU fired back with three straight points punctuated by a single block by Angelica Depita on Izabelle Andal to steal the frame and take a 2-0 match lead.
Rhose Capili had nine points, playmaker Mariel Francisco tallied 16 excellent sets while libero Princess Villacorta had 24 digs and seven excellent receptions as NDDU capped the competition on a bright note.
The Davao Selection, composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College and University of Mindanao, dropped all three of its outings.
Cabingatan posted all of her 12 points from attacks while Andal added seven points in a losing effort for the host team, which committed 26 errors.
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.