MANILA -- Notre Dame of Dadiangas University swept Davao Selection, 25-19, 25-23, 25-20, for a third place finish in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Davao Leg, Sunday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
The Lady Kingfishers erased a five-point deficit in Set 2 then dominated in the next frame to finish with a 1-2 record in the tournament. Middle blocker Karylle Baclaan led the way for the General Santos City-based squad with 12 points off 10 kills and two kill blocks while Kate Lopez scored all but one of her 10 markers from spikes.
"Home court advantage talaga ng kabila. Ang mindset namin na kailangan agad lumamang para yung kaba maibsan," said NDDU head coach Alvin Ambe.
"Ang maganda especially sa second set, mahirap yung humabol from five points pero hinabol nila. I think dito namin matutunan ang composure namin sa laro," added Ambe.
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in action against Davao Selection in the Davao Leg of the SSL National Invitationals, August 3, 2025 at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City. Handout/SSL NDDU controlled the opening set but fell to an 18-13 hole in the second frame with Elysha Cabingatan and Emy Taguiran powering the Davaoenas.
The Lady Kingfishers mounted a 6-1 counterattack to knot it at 19. Davao Selection went back in front, 23-22, before NDDU fired back with three straight points punctuated by a single block by Angelica Depita on Izabelle Andal to steal the frame and take a 2-0 match lead.
Rhose Capili had nine points, playmaker Mariel Francisco tallied 16 excellent sets while libero Princess Villacorta had 24 digs and seven excellent receptions as NDDU finished the competition on a bright note.
The Davao Selection, composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College and University of Mindanao, dropped all three of its outings.
Cabingatan posted all of her 12 points from attacks while Andal added seven markers in a losing effort for the host team, which committed 26 errors.
Action in the three-leg competition will resume on August 22 to 24 in Cebu at the University of San Carlos.
Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University will test the mettle of host school USC and University of Southern Philippines Foundation.