MANDAUE CITY, Cebu --- University of San Carlos and University of Southern Philippines Foundation are hitting two birds with one stone with their participation in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg.
Not only will they get a rare chance to test their mettle against a pair of visiting Manila-based squads in their backyard, but it will also allow them to gauge their level of play heading into the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 opening next month.
Lady Warriors head coach Grace Antigua wants to take advantage of USC’s second straight stint in the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea, to learn and gain valuable experience for her squad in its buildup to defend its CESAFI crown.
“This tournament is really a good opportunity for us, especially with CESAFI starting this September. Malaking bagay ito para sa team na makalaban ang Adamson and Ateneo, the big teams from Manila,” said Antigua during the competition’s press launch Friday at the Shakey’s Cabahug branch here.
“This will also showcase the talents of our players.”
USC is playing the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson University as of press time at the Mandaue Sports Complex.
The Lady Warriors will face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday before rekindling their rivalry against CESAFI Season 24 Finals victims on Sunday.
USC defeated the Lady Panthers in four sets in the winner-take-all CESAFI championship showdown.
“Ready naman kami. We’ll give our best,” Antigua vowed.
On the other hand, the Lady Panthers are using the competition, which has Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners, as an added exposure for their rebuilding squad.
“We’re grateful to Shakey’s Super League for coming here and picking our players to play here. Nagpapasalamat din kami para at least yung mga bata ma-expose din na maglaro against sa mga talented players na galing sa Manila,” USPF mentor Luisa Jotojot said.
The Lady Panthers, who advanced to the quarterfinals last year but got swept by eventual champion National University, are taking on the Blue Eagles as of press time.
“Sana ay maipakita rin nila na sila ay magagaling at ready to compete with other teams lalo na sa mga teams sa Manila,” Jotojot added.
The four teams competing in the second stop of the three-leg tournament will play in a single round-robin format. The squad with the best win-loss record or match points earned, if necessary, will be declared champion.
Games are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
