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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider 16 teams battle in SSL Preseason Unity Cup

16 teams battle in SSL Preseason Unity Cup

Published Sep 3, 2025 03:57 pm

At A Glance

  • A total of 16 collegiate squads -- six from UAAP and all 10 from NCAA -- battle in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup starting Sept. 20 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
A total of 16 collegiate squads -- six from UAAP and all 10 from NCAA -- battle in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup starting Sept. 20 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Four-peat-seeking National University banners the strong field that is also composed of fellow UAAP teams Ateneo, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson and University of the Philippines, as well as NCAA schools Arellano University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Letran, Mapua, San Beda, San Sebastian College, University of Perpetual Help, and Lyceum.
Last year’s runner-up De La Salle and University of the East are taking a leave of absence as they are focused on rebuilding their respective squads, but still expect the tournament to be as competitive as the previous seasons.
“We are happy to continue to grow the sport of volleyball and are looking forward to another successful tournament,” said Dr. Ian Laurel, president and chairman of SSL organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES) during the press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Shakey’s Buendia branch.
Also present were Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI) President and CEU Vic Gregorio, SPAVI General Manager Oliver Sicam, SPAVI Marketing Head Regina Asa, PLDT and Smart Communications Head of Sports Jude Turcuato, ACES Director Ariel Paredes and ASICS Philippines Brand Communication Executive Diego Vergel De Dios.
The tournament will follow an all-to-play format, allowing every player of each team to get the exposure they needed and for the coaches to discover various combinations for his team.
The 16 squads are bracketed into four groups, with the top two teams of each pool advancing to the next round.
The two-group second round will play in the round-robin format to determine their rankings in the crossover quarterfinals. Semifinals and the battle for bronze will be played in a knockout game, while finals will be a best-of-three affair.
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