MANDAUE CITY, Cebu. – It’s mission accomplished for Adamson University after a sweeping conquest of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg here.
But for skipper Shaina Nitura and the rest of the Lady Falcons, their arduous buildup for the UAAP wars has only just begun.
The young but very talented Adamson side captured its breakthrough crown after winning all three of its matches in the short round-robin format tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
“Very grateful and thankful kasi binigyan kami ng opportunity ni God at binigay Niya ang championship sa amin. Siguro, iti-take namin ‘to para mag-improve pa kami as a team kasi hindi naman dito nagtatapos ‘yung journey namin,” Nitura said after the Lady Falcons gave Ateneo de Manila University a 25-15, 26-24, 25-14, drubbing on Sunday in the final playdate of the three-day contest at the Mandaue Sports Complex.
Nitura dropped 23 points, including Adamson’s last six points, to finally deliver the school to the top podium after a runner-up finish in the 2023 edition.
“Actually, start pa lang ‘to and preparation talaga namin ‘to for UAAP,” said the Best Player of the Cebu Leg.
“If mayroon pang opportunities na darating na ibibigay ni God, we’re just gonna grab it and kukunin namin lahat ng experiences,” added the Alas Pilipinas member.
Adamson started its campaign in the Visayas stop of the three-leg tournament with a four-set win over second-placer University of San Carlos before sweeping University of Southern Philippines Foundation.
The Lady Falcons’ emphatic victory over the Blue Eagles gave Adamson faithful something to look forward to ahead of UAAP Season 88. The San Marcelino-based squad has missed the Final Four the last two seasons.
Adamson coach JP Yude has seen great progress with the team’s chemistry and skills but reminded his wards not to rest on their laurels.
“So far, yes naman — konti-konti. At the same time, sabi ko nga, nasa process pa rin kami,” said Yude, who also steered the Baby Lady Falcons to the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitationals League throne last year.
Yude took advantage of the tournament to give his young players valuable experience and build their confidence.
“Pagdating ng panahon at least may mga experience. Nakuha naman namin ‘yung goal, pero at the same time hindi pa ‘to totally ‘yun. May mga liga pa sa Manila, and through that, makakakuha pa ng experience ang mga bata,” he added.
