When it comes to collegiate volleyball, there’s no such thing as “just another game”—especially not at the Shakey’s Super League (SSL). And if you’ve been keeping tabs on the latest action, there’s one team shaking feathers and making waves: the Adamson Lady Falcons. Led by none other than rising volley queen Shaina Nitura, they’re set to kick off their SSL National Invitationals campaign in Cebu with a fire that’s hard to ignore.
Let’s unpack what’s going down, why it matters, and what this means not just for Adamson, but for the entire Philippine volleyball scene.
The Battle Begins in Cebu
Adamson’s opening match isn’t your average warm-up—it’s a full-on showdown against University of San Carlos (USC), the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champions. Set inside the Mandaue Sports Complex, this Friday night clash is shaping up to be electric, with the crowd likely siding with their hometown heroes. Game time? 7 p.m. sharp.
Coach JP Yude has made it loud and clear: no room for overconfidence.
“We can’t take any team lightly. Everyone comes here to win—and USC is playing on home soil. This is their turf. We’re expecting a tough fight,” says Yude.
Spoken like a seasoned tactician.
Shaina Nitura: From Breakout Star to Team Leader
Let’s talk about Shaina Nitura for a second 🏐
Fresh from turning heads on the international stage at the AVC Nations Cup and SEA V-League with Alas Pilipinas, Shaina is bringing that world-class energy back home. People already saw her raw talent during her breakout UAAP season, and now with more experience under her belt, she’s expected to be even more dangerous.
She’s not just out to play — she’s on a mission to lead.
In 2023, Adamson narrowly missed the SSL crown. This year, with Nitura’s growth and confidence at an all-time high, the Lady Falcons are determined to flip the script.
📖 Want to know more about Shaina’s rise? Check out her journey here.
USC Looks to Rewrite Last Season’s Story
The University of San Carlos might be a powerhouse in CESAFI, but their SSL story last year was, well… less than stellar. Winless in the previous campaign, the Lady Warriors are looking for nothing less than redemption—especially now that they’ve got the home court edge.
The crowd? Loud.
The motivation? High.
The stage? Set.
A Sneak Peek at Other Exciting Matches
The action in Cebu doesn’t stop with Adamson vs. USC. Ateneo de Manila University is battling it out against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) at 5 p.m., and all eyes will be on new Blue Eagles standouts Ana Francesca Hermosura and Dona Mae De Leon—fresh graduates from Bacolod Tay Tung’s gritty volleyball program.
These aren’t just matches. They’re auditions. For greatness, for momentum, and hey, maybe even for a future spot in national teams. 👀
Why Cebu Matters in the Bigger Picture
Cebu isn’t just a pit stop. It’s volleyball heartland—especially in the Visayas. And this year, it’s doing more than sending teams to Manila; it’s hosting an entire SSL leg. That’s a big deal.
“We’ve always seen Cebu as a volleyball powerhouse. This time, we’re giving them something extra — home court advantage,” says Dr. Ian Laurel, president of ACES (Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc.)
Pretty cool move if you ask us.
Just three weeks ago, National University swept the Davao leg like a storm. Star rookie Sam Cantada walked away as Best Player. So now the question is: who will step up in Cebu?
What’s Next for SSL?
The Shakey’s Super League caravan isn’t done yet. 🚐🏐
After Cebu, the volleyball action heads to Batangas for the final leg. Teams are not just playing for bragging rights — they’re building reputations, testing lineups, and preparing for bigger leagues ahead.
Expect drama. Expect energy. Expect big swings and even bigger hearts.
So, whether you’re cheering courtside or catching the highlights online, don’t sleep on these matchups. The volleyball scene is buzzing, and the Lady Falcons are ready to spread their wings. Can they rise above the rest?
We’ll be watching with popcorn in hand. 🍿
📰 Stay tuned for updates, game recaps, and exclusive inside stories. This is just the beginning.
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Photos via Marlo Cueto/Inquirer.net
Game coverage and interviews contributed by Sports Inquirer
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