BATANGAS CITY --- Far Eastern University finally captured the elusive crown with a breakthrough championship in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Batangas Leg here.
Led by Best Player of the Batangas Leg Faida Bakanke, grizzled veterans Gerzel Petallo, Jazlyn Ellarina, Alyzza Devosora and top setter Tin Ubaldo, the Lady Tamaraws ruled the final stop of the three-leg tournament in flawless fashion.
FEU swept all three of its matches without dropping a single set to complete its redemption tour following a runner-up finish last year in the competition backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
The Lady Tamaraws, however, are not yet done as they shift their focus to a much bigger conquest in the centerpiece SSL Collegiate Pre-season Championship starting on September 20.
“’Yung nangyari ngayon, kasi magandang buwena-mano kumbaga. So, gusto ko ma-experience nila ‘yung feeling na ganito dapat lagi every game,” said head coach Tina Salak after FEU swept College of Saint Benilde 25-21, 25-16, 25-19, at the close of the quick single-round robin tournament Sunday at the University of Batangas Millennium Gym.
“Kailangan pahalagahan nila every game kasi ‘yun naman talaga magiging foundation namin throughout ng liga,” she added.
The Lady Tamaraws displayed consistency and maturity while flaunting their depth to outmuscle the opposition.
FEU also stormed past the Letran Lady Knights and the UB Lady Brahmans to join other leg winners National University Lady Bulldogs (Davao) and Adamson University Lady Falcons (Cebu) in the tournament supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, F2 Logistics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.
“So, hopefully, madala namin ‘yung nangyari ngayon, ‘yung experience namin ngayon, yung maturity ng team, especially ‘yung chemistry,” Salak said.
The Lady Tamaraws will have over two weeks to prepare for the Collegiate Pre-season Championship, featuring UAAP and NCAA squads.
Fueled by the successful National Invitationals title run, Salak is confident FEU has what it takes to challenge other powerhouse teams in the field, including the four-peat-seeking NU.
“We'll see kung sino ‘yung magiging ka-bracket namin for the next league. Mas exciting kasi ‘yun kasi ‘yun na ‘yung preseason for UAAP. So, labasan na talaga lahat doon ng baraha,” Salak said.
With its unique all-to-play rule, teams are taking advantage of the Collegiate Pre-season Championship to measure their depth, test their team chemistry and give young players valuable experience and exposure.
SSL games are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
