At A Glance
- Defending champion National University secured a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage after a swift, 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 crushing of Ateneo in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup second round on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Defending champion National University secured a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage after a swift, 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 crushing of Ateneo in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup second round on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
The four-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs flexed their firepower to overwhelm the struggling Blue Eagles despite a rusty opening set for a 3-0 win-loss finish in Pool E.
NU, still unbeaten after six games, will face the fourth-ranked squad in Pool F in the crossover quarters.
Chams Maaya and Josline Salazar spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’ assault with 10 points each and combined for 14 of the team’s 37 attack points.
However, NU had a hard time shaking off Ateneo and even trailed, 21-22, in the opening set. Maaya took matters into her own hands as she uncorked three points in the Lady Bulldogs’ 4-0 closing rally to salvage the frame.
NU found its rhythm from there and sent the Blue Eagles reeling to a 0-2 card in the round and a four-game losing skid overall.
Ana Hermosura had eight points while Dona De Leon scored six for Ateneo, which gave NU 26 free points from its errors.
Meanwhile, Shaina Nitura returned after a two-game rest and dropped 22 points to power Adamson University past University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, to grab the other quarters incentive in Pool E.
Nitura got 21 of her points from kills and had nine excellent receptions in a rousing comeback for the Lady Falcons.
Frances Mordi added 10 markers and Lhouriz Tuddao had six points for Adamson, which closed the round with a 2-1 slate and will take on the No. 3 seed in Pool F in the next stage.
The Fighting Maroons absorbed back-to-back setbacks after sweeping the first round.
Kiane Olango had nine points while Yesha Noceja and Casiey Dongallo finished with seven markers each for UP.