MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines parades its revamped roster against the Davao Selection team in the opening leg of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Friday at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym 

The Fighting Maroons, who were the dark of the UAAP in Season 87, will finally get to see their transferees Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, setter Kizzie Madriaga, and libero Shamel Fernandez suit up in the national tournament of Shakey’s, which is celebrating its 50th year with a three-leg nationwide tour.

READ: Shakey’s Super League expects bigger 2025 season

UP is still led by the troika of Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares when they take on the Davao Selection composed of players from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and University of Mindanao.

“We’re going up against the best in the region and, of course, NU, the best of all. It’s gonna be interesting because every time I travel the country, I see great potential in players,” UP coach Fabio Menta said. “So, it’s gonna be interesting to see how we’re gonna react to different styles (of teams).”  

Meanwhile, defending champion National University begins its post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era against the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University at 5 p.m.

Setter Lams Lamina will lead the way for Co-UAAP Finals MVP Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio, Arah Panique, Shakey’s Girls V-League MVP Sam Cantada, Harlyn Serneche, and Denesse Daylisan in their bid to retain the national title, where the team with the best record in the single round-robin format will be declared champion in the first of the three provincial stops. 

The Lady Kingfishers, on the other hand, are returning to the competition for the first time since 2023.

“Our mindset was to give NU, a very stellar team, a good fight and not let our young players be intimidated,” said NDDU coach Alvin Ambe in Filipino.

“We’re both happy and pressured at the same time because our supporters came to see us play. But regardless of the result, this will benefit NDDU because we’ll learn a lot—not just from NU but from every team we face.”

The SSL came up with a tour-style format to showcase the talents of provincial squads in front of their home crowd, with the next two legs being held in Cebu and Batangas.

“Of course, because this is also the 50th anniversary of Shakey’s, which has been synonymous with local volleyball and the catalyst to development and promotion of the sport, we want to come up with something special,” said Athletic Events and Sports Management (ACES) Inc. president Dr. Ian Laurel.