The University of the Philippines (UP) volleyball team delivered a commanding performance, sweeping Davao Selection 25-11, 25-13, 25-15 at the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals hosted at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City on Friday evening, August 1, 2025.

Casiey Dongallo stood out for the Fighting Maroons, amassing a game-high 15 points, including a pivotal seven-point contribution in the third set. During that phase, UP surged ahead with an 8-0 run, overturning a 9-10 deficit. Teammates Kiane Olango and Nina Ytang contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Italian head coach Fabio Menta acknowledged the team’s challenges with player rotations, citing the limited preparation time as a factor affecting team chemistry. "When we start changing players, it’s not the same chemistry. We’ve only practiced ball handling for a month, and not all 14 players are at the same level. The tempo changes. Changing the setter caused too many errors, which gave the opposition confidence," Menta explained, referring to UP's 25 errors in the match.

Menta further detailed his approach during a critical timeout when UP fell behind 9-10 in the third set: "I reminded them of our team rules and sometimes have to show a different face to regain focus. It’s nothing serious, but I noticed mistakes we aren’t supposed to make."

For Davao Selection, a team composed of standout athletes from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and the University of Mindanao, Elysha Cabingatan led with four points. Other contributors included Isabelle Andal, Rika Sasaki, Rizza Salvanera, Angelica Ordinaria, and Kyle Esteves, who added a combined 10 points.

Earlier in the day, National University (NU) cruised to a straight-sets victory against Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, winning 25-19, 25-13, 25-19. Kaye Bombita led the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points, followed by Arah Panique’s eight. Rookies Samantha Cantada and Denesse Daylisan made notable impacts, scoring seven and six points respectively. Cantada recently earned MVP honors at the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League, highlighting her rising profile.

NU assistant coach Alvin Dumalaog commented on the match: "It was a good game, and the players we expected to step up performed well. We still need to make adjustments since we just returned, but the core is intact."

Chams Maaya and team captain Vange Alinsug also contributed significantly with seven and six points, while veteran setter Lams Lamina executed nine excellent sets.

The tournament follows a single round-robin format where the team with the best win-loss record will be declared champion. This event is organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), and supported by the Davao City Sports Development Office, Mindanao Development Authority, Apo View Hotel, Commission on Higher Education 11 (Davao Region), and the University of Southeastern Philippines. Upcoming legs of the competition are scheduled to take place in Cebu and Batangas.

The Shakey’s Super League continues to showcase top collegiate volleyball talent from across the Philippines, serving as a key platform for emerging athletes.