UP slams Ateneo, bags fifth place

University of the Philippines (UP) came back from a set down to clip Ateneo de Manila University, 23-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-16, for a fifth-place finish in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons bucked a sluggish start and found their rhythm just in time to save some measure of pride in their highest finish in the league’s centerpiece tournament.

Kianne Olango had a solid game, posting 16 of her 17 points from kills to lead UP’s assault. Jelai Gajero scored 16 while Nina Ytang added 12 for the Fighting Maroons, who rained down 57 attack points against their Katipunan neighbors.

UP’s second unit sparked the comeback, igniting a huge 18-8 windup in the second frame after trailing, 7-8. It was all the Fighting Maroons needed to turn the tables around. 

“Coach (Fabio Menta) just told us to be consistent and listen to him whenever there is an adjustment to be made. And most importantly, he told us to play as one,” Olango said.

Casiey Dongallo added nine points while Yesha Noceja and Bien Bansil, who punctuated the win with a monstrous single block, added six each for the Fighting Maroons, who had a great start in their campaign after sweeping the first round but came up short in the quarterfinal.

Ana Hermosura fired 13 points in a lost cause for the Blue Eagles. Zey Pacia and Faye Nisperos, who left the game late in the fourth set after twisting her right ankle, finished with 10 points apiece. 

Game 1 of the best-of-three finals between four-peat-seeking National University and University of Santo Tomas is still being played as of press time.

On the other hand, College of Saint Benilde made quick work of San Beda University, 25-10, 25-20, 25-14, to salvage a seventh-place finish.

Although assistant coach Onyok Getigan’s second unit had a bit of a challenge in the second set, the Lady Blazers were in full control of the match, which only needed 86 minutes to be decided.