By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense spiker Arah Panique took the spotlight as she led the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs to the championship in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg on Sunday night, August 3.

Panique was unstoppable, erupting for 25 points built on 21 attacks, two aces and two kill blocks as the Lady Bulldogs scored a 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17 win over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.

Rookie Sam Cantada, who was later named Best Player of the Davao Leg, added 16 points off 11 kills and five service aces, while team captain Vange Alinsug chipped in 13.

Setter Camilla Lamina also orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets, enabling NU to produce 61 attack points, nine aces and 10 kill blocks in a dominant all-around showing.

The Lady Bulldogs bounced back strongly after dropping the second set, with Panique and company stepping up to fill the void left by former stars, including three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen and standout Alyssa Solomon.

“Syempre, sabi ko nga sa kanila walang may gustong mawala ang mga star players namin, pero pwedeng tularan at higitan. Ayun ‘yung mga naiwan na seniors, maganda ang pagkahawak nila sa mga rookies namin,” NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said.

On the other side, UP relied heavily on Casiey Dongallo, who led the Fighting Maroons with 20 points.

Kianne Olango added nine, while Nina Ytang and Louise Bansil finished with seven apiece as the squad settled for a runner-up finish.

With the Davao City leg concluded, the SSL National Invitationals will resume from August 22 to 24 in Cebu City at the University of San Carlos Gymnasium.

The next phase will feature Ateneo de Manila University, Adamson University, host school USC, and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation./ASC, WDJ