By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Adamson University Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude expressed pride in his team’s flawless run to capture the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg.

The Lady Falcons secured the leg championship with a commanding 25-15, 26-24, 25-14 sweep of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu on Sunday night, August 24.

The Negros Occidental’s Hinigaran-native Yude credited his squad’s growth and composure throughout the tournament, where they went undefeated in all three matches.

“I thank God for the performance of my players. I thank God for this tournament na three straight wins nakuha namin,” Yude said.

“I’m very proud sa mga bata. And really happy na nakikita ko sila na unti-unti na may progress,” he added.

Leading Adamson’s charge was Alas Pilipinas standout Shaina Nitura, who powered through with 23 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks and four service aces to earn the Best Player award of the Cebu Leg.

Nitura capped her stellar outing with back-to-back service aces to deliver Adamson’s first-ever SSL Cebu crown, erasing memories of their runner-up finish in 2023.

Frances Mordi added 12 points while Lhouriz Tuddao chipped in seven as the Lady Falcons imposed their dominance over the field.

Ateneo’s Zey Pacia finished with 15 points, but her efforts weren’t enough as the Blue Eagles settled for third place with a 1-2 record.

Meanwhile, home team and reigning CESAFI champion University of San Carlos took second place after rallying past the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14.

“Siguro ‘yung eagerness ng mga girls na lang. ‘Yung eagerness nila noong second set, tumaas. Noong first set, nag-a-adjust pa eh,” said Lady Warriors head coach Grace Antigua, proud of her team’s bounce-back win over their CESAFI rivals./ASC, WDJ