University of San Carlos celebrate a win over Ateneo in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg on Saturday. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — While University of San Carlos no longer has a chance to win the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg gold medal, beating a UAAP team like Ateneo was already an achievement for its school and the province.
The Cesafi champion leaned on Angel Galinato and Ghanna Suan to complete a reverse sweep and stun Ateneo, 19-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13, on Saturday before an ecstatic home crowd at Mandaue Sports Complex.
READ: Ateneo collapses as USC pulls off comeback in SSL Cebu leg
USC coach Grace Antigua relishes their big win over Ateneo | @LanceAgcaoilINQ #SSLNationalInvitationals #SSLMandaue pic.twitter.com/nJ5eVO845c
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 23, 2025
“It’s about school pride, our pride. We’re thankful because God was with us, and the players really believed in themselves,” USC coach Grace Antigua told the reporters in Filipino.
“This win means a lot for their confidence, and I hope they carry this momentum into our game tomorrow against USPF.”
Playing against UAAP teams in their home province was already a meaningful opportunity, but completing the upset after rallying from two sets down made the moment even sweeter for the Lady Warriors.
University of San Carlos and Ateneo after their showdown in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg on Saturday. –HANDOUT PHOTO
“This win is a big deal for us. It boosts our confidence a lot. It’s one for the books,” said Suan in Filipino after scoring 18 points.
“Beating Ateneo is a massive confidence boost for us. Everyone knows how big of a university they are, so this is such a valuable experience. Even if we had lost, it still would’ve been a learning moment, but winning makes it even more rewarding because we really worked hard for it.”
Ghanna Suan talks about their resilience against Ateneo. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ #SSLMandaue pic.twitter.com/Lm7DkLUDd7
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 23, 2025
Suan credited the entire USC squad for powering their comeback while capitalizing on Ateneo’s 46 errors.
“It was a great experience overall, and I saw how strong and passionate my teammates were. They gave it their all. That’s why we played so well,” she said. “No matter who we face next, we’re still excited. We always prepare for every opponent and stick to the game plan.”
Galinato, who also scored 18, said she was proud to prove their worth in front of their home fans.
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“Our mindset was just to restart and try to take even just one set. And once we got that first set, everything just followed,” said Galinato.
“This is huge for us. We’ve always been seen as the underdog team. We’re from Cebu, from the province, so to win against a UAAP team like Ateneo. It’s really uplifting for us.”
USC battles its Cesafi rival University of Southern Philippines Foundation, hoping for runner-up finish in their home leg.
