NU hot on quarters incentive in SSL Unity Cup
MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion National University seeks to draw closer to a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage in a showdown against struggling Adamson University in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup second round on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Momentum is on the side of the unbeaten, five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs after a convincing win over College of Saint Benilde in the round-robin Round of 8 opener of the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea.
Behind Arah Panique’s 13-point explosion and 10-point contribution from sophomore Sam Cantada, NU rolled past the Lady Blazers, 25-20, 25-16, 25-15, in Pool E last Sunday at the Imus Sports Complex.
The Lady Bulldogs, who are on a five-game winning streak without dropping a set since the first round, look to keep their hot run going in their first clash against a UAAP rival at 3 p.m.
NU coach Norman Miguel expects a tough grind against a Lady Falcons side looking to bounce back from a 16-25, 15-25, 20-25, loss to Far Eastern University.
“We expect a different level of game sa next na kalaban namin and no room for complacency. All-out effort and consistency, minimal errors,” Miguel said.
Adamson, which rested main scorer Shai Nitura last game, will rely on Frances Mordi, Joy Aseo, Third Tuddao and Red Bascon to stay in the hunt for the two quarterfinals incentives at stake in the pool.
Meanwhile, FEU aims to strengthen its bid for a twice-to-beat incentive against CSB in the 11 a.m. curtain-raiser of the competition, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, Jersey Haven, Solar Sports and 12 Beyond Production as technical partners.
“Ang mindset namin ay mag-focus sa kung ano ang nasa harap namin. Training and mindset kung sino ang makakalaban namin,” Lady Tamaraws veteran libero Marga Encarnacion said.
In Pool F action, undefeated squads last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines lock horns at 5 p.m.
The Golden Tigresses turned back Ateneo De Manila University, 25-16, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, behind a balanced offensive effort that saw four UST players in double-figure scoring.
Marga Altea, who fired 15 points against the Blue Eagles, will once again lead the Tigresses’ charge, backed by a solid crew bannered by veterans Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado, Ashlee Knop, Blessing Unekwe and Kim Rubin.
The Fighting Maroons are also on a red-hot streak after defeating reigning NCAA champion Letran, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-16, in the opener, with Jelai Gajero, Jenn Gould and Kianne Olango doing most of the damage.
Ateneo and Letran clash at 1 p.m. to stay alive in the chase for the quarters bonus.
All games in the competition are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports. TMT
