SSL quarterfinals action heats up

Four teams seek a quick entry to the semifinals while four others fight for dear life as action in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup quarterfinals erupts on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

Twice-to-beat defending champion National University (NU) looks to continue its unbeaten run against group stage victim Letran College in the main game at 5 p.m.

The five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs are on a roll after winning their first seven games, drawing closer to extending their dynastic reign in the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R&B Milk Tea.

NU head coach Normal Miguel has emphasized the importance of finishing off the Lady Knights in one fell swoop to avoid a dangerous deciding match.

“We have to stay focused, stay hungry to win and stay humble. No room for complacency. We’ll not waste the twice-to-beat advantage,” Miguel said as his squad eyes to replicate its emphatic sweep of the reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association champion in the first round.

The Lady Bulldogs completed a Round of 8 sweep with a 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, victory over erstwhile undefeated Far Eastern University (FEU) last week.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University tries to force a rubber match against the twice-to-beat Lady Tamaraws at 1 p.m.

The Blue Eagles, who are coming off a shocker over University of the Philippines (UP), 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, last week, want payback from a straight-sets loss to FEU in the group stage.

“I expect the team to work even harder and be hungrier to win more games. I think we definitely showed that we have it in us to work hard and to perform,” Ateneo captain Sophia Buena said.

Adamson University is also fighting for survival in the curtain-raiser at 11 a.m. against twice-to-beat UP.

The Lady Falcons defeated College of Saint Benilde, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21, last week to build momentum heading into a second meeting with the Fighting Maroons.