National University (NU) is just three set wins away from completing a four-peat in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup.
After drawing first blood in the best-of-three finals series against a dangerous and gritty University of Santo Tomas (UST) last week, the Lady Bulldogs go for the jugular on Saturday in Game 2 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
But shooting for a sweep in the league’s centerpiece tournament is easier said than done.
In fact, the still unbeaten NU barely escaped the claws of the Tigresses in a 15-25, 25-23, 25-17, 13-25, 15-12, nail-biter in the series opener at the same historic venue.
The Lady Bulldogs dug deep inside their bag of championship experience to stay composed after trailing by two points late in the deciding frame before uncorking a 5-0 closing barrage to stun UST for their ninth win in as many games.
NU, which also aims for a second straight season sweep following its earlier flawless conquest of the National Invitationals Davao Leg, expects the wounded Tigresses to be more aggressive in the pivotal second meeting.
So, keeping their guard up against UST is a must for the Lady Bulldogs to replicate their domination of the same opponent in the finals of the 2023 edition.
“Even if we won in Game 1, we can’t afford to relax. Yes, we will rest, but we will not relax to the point of getting complacent. The battle is far from over,” NU prized rookie Sam Cantada said.
The high-flying power-hitter and Alas Pilipinas U18 star is also on the brink of achieving a rare feat of winning a triple crown.
Cantada powered NU-Nazareth School to its first-ever Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League and also copped tournament MVP in her high school swan song. She then earned Best Player honors after leading the Lady Bulldogs to the National Invitationals throne in an impressive seniors debut.
The Tigresses, however, are determined to flip the script.
“The series is not yet over. We’ll always find a way to bounce back,” UST coach Shaq delos Santos said.
“We still have a chance. We will try our best to win Game 2 and tie the series.”
Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado, Marga Altea, Xyza Gula, playmaker Cassie Carballo and senior libero Detdet Pepito are ready to match the firepower of NU’s Cantada, Celine Marsh, Chams Maaya, Kaye Bombita, Vange Alinsug, setter Lams Lamina and defense specialist Shaira Jardio to force a series decider on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the winner-take-all battle for bronze between Far Eastern University and Adamson University is also on Saturday.