FEU Tamaraws celebrate after claiming the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Batangas Leg title.–SSL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University finally captured the elusive crown with a breakthrough championship in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Batangas Leg.
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.
READ: SSL: FEU, NCAA champion Benilde dispute Batangas Leg crown
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.
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.
“What happened today is like a great way to start things off. I want them to experience this kind of feeling—this is how it should be every game,” said head coach Tina Salak after FEU swept College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 25-16, 25-19, at the end of the quick single-round robin tournament on Sunday at the University of Batangas Millennium Gym.
“They need to value every game because that will be our foundation throughout the league.”
The Lady Tamaraws displayed consistency and maturity while flaunting their depth to outmuscle the opposition, storming 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).
READ: FEU Lady Tamaraws eye strong showing in SSL Batangas Leg
“So hopefully, we can carry this from what happened today, our experience, the team’s maturity, especially the chemistry, moving forward,” said Salak.
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 who we’ll be grouped with in the next league. It’s going to be more exciting because that’ll basically be the preseason for the UAAP. That’s when everyone will really start showing all their cards,” said Salak.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
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.
