National University at the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Photo from SSL

MANILA -- In a stunning display of championship form, UAAP Season 86 titleholder National University swept Enderun Colleges, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16, to open its campaign in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

NU was still a force of nature despite its main weapons, Bella Belen, Sheena Toring and Arah Panique seeing limited action for coach Norman Miguel.

Vange Alinsug and young winger Kaye Bombita led the Lady Bulldogs’ balanced scoring in the one-hour, 18-minute affair with 14 and 10.

For Miguel, their experience in the pre-season tilt would serve as "exposure" for their rookies.

"Masaya po kami sa first win namin, especially na ‘yung goal namin for this tournament is maka-gain ng experience and exposure ‘yung mga ibang players especially ‘yung mga rookies," Miguel said.

READ: Volleyball: NU opens Super League campaign against Enderun

"Nakita ko din na nag-lead ‘yung mga seniors sa mga baguhan. Hopefully maging maayos ang performance namin at umabot kami sa finals."

Miguel added that he wanted his bench players to step up to prepare them for the coming games as Belen and Panique are set to join Alas Pilipinas in its Japan training camp.

"Since aalis din yung mga members ng national team for their Japan camp, so kelangan talaga namen trabahuhin ‘yung connection ng bawat isa, aside pa sa mga technical skills."

NU can secure a spot in the knockout quarterfinals with another victory over Xavier University-Northern Mindanao Selection on Friday.

Meanwhile, Letran swept University of San Carlos, 25-22, 25-14, 25-12, in Pool D behind the duo of Nizelle Martin and Lea Tapang.

The Lady Knights wingers scored 10 markers each and combined for 18 of the squad’s 39 kills.

Gia Maquilang collected eight of her nine points on spikes while Angelique Ledesma added seven for Letran.

Jearl Lapitan paced USC with seven points while Eunice Navarro had four markers.

University of Batangas also went on to upset Season 86 runner-up University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 28-26, 17-25, 17-25, 18-16, as it averted collapse in Set 5 to snatch the victory.

However, Golden Tigresses' primary gunners such as Jonna Perdido, Detdet Pepito, and Cassie Carballo did not play for coach Kungfu Reyes.

Kylie Macatangay led the Batangueños' firepower with 21 points.