Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines (UP) hurdled their respective rivals in the opening phase of the classification round to set a battle for fifth showdown in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Blue Eagles arrested a six-game losing skid at the expense of College of Saint Benilde (CSB), 25-18, 25-11, 24-26, 25-16, while the Fighting Maroons swept San Beda University, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22.
Ateneo and UP will dispute a consolation fifth-place finish in the league’s centerpiece tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Ana Hermosura spearheaded the Blue Eagles’ assault with 15 points, anchored on 13 kills and two aces. Zey Pacia and Jihan Isabelle Chuatico added 14 and 11 markers, respectively, for Ateneo, which outhit Saint Benilde, 59-35.