MANILA (UPDATED) -- Defending champion National University took down the University of the Philippines to remain unbeaten in the second round of the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs rebounded from a letdown in the second frame en route to a 25-20, 23-25, 25-13, 25-18 result that also boosted their chances of securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
In a rematch of the gold medal match of the Davao Leg of the SSL National Invitationals, skipper Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh did most of the damage as National U extended their mastery of the Fighting Maroons.
Alinsug scored 14 points from 11 kills, two kill blocks and an ace to go with five excellent receptions and two digs in an all-around performance for the Lady Bulldogs, who were inspired by the presence of their former ace player and decorated spiker Bella Belen watching on the sideline.
Marsh finished with 14 points off 10 kills, including the match-clinching crosscourt hit that ended the one-hour, 53-minute encounter, and four aces, while Alexa Mata added 10 markers for NU, which came off a five-set escape over Adamson University on Saturday.
NU's Celine Marsh in action against UP in the second round of the 2025 Shakey's Super League Preseason Unity Cup, October 12, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Handout/SSL
"Minotivate lang namin sarili namin kasi alam naman namin na magsusunod-sunod ang laro, and ang goal naman talaga namin is makapag-perform kami ng maayos and maipanalo rin ang games ng mga sunod-dunod," Alinsug said.
NU sparked a decisive 7-2 blitz to turn a slim three-point advantage into a 23-15 gap in the fourth after Marsh scored off a sharp cross.
The Fighting Maroons mounted a last hurrah, scoring three straight points to get within five, 23-18, only for Irah Jaboneta to send her spike wide before Marsh's finishing blow.
"Sa amin naman di lang namin tinanggalan ng morale ang isa't isa kasi alam din namin talaga na di rin magpapatalo ang UP. So, kami pinag-aralan namin sila and in-apply naman namin sa game. Nakipagtulungan din naman ang mga teammates ko," Alinsug said.
The Lady Bulldogs committed two crucial errors in UP's closing 3-1 run to steal the second set. NU raced to an 11-4 lead in the third frame and never looked back for a 2-1 match lead.
The Lady Bulldogs will try to secure a quarters incentive when they battle Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday to close their second round run in the competition, supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel- Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.
Jelai Gajero and Cassiey Dongallo scored 14 points each with a combined 25 kills in the Fighting Maroons' 45 attack points.
Nina Ytang added seven markers but failed to save UP, which threw away 35 points off errors, from absorbing its first loss in the tournament after a three-game sweep of the preliminary round.
In the second game, Frances Mordi powered Adamson University to a 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 25-15 rebound win over Ateneo de Manila University in Pool E to remain in contention for a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage.
The Nigerian winger blasted 20 points anchored on 17 kills and three kill blocks for the Lady Falcons, who improved to a 1-1 slate following a five-set loss to reigning three-time champion National University on Saturday.
Princess Dote had eight points while Joy Aseo and Lhouriz Tuddao added seven markers each as Adamson opted to sit out ace spiker Shaina Nitura for the second straight game.
The Blue Eagles lost steam in the fourth set after surviving a tight third frame to start their second-round campaign.
May Tsunashima was the lone Ateneo player in double figures with 12 points, all coming from spikes. Zey Pacia had nine markers while Dona De Leon added eight points.