National University's Vange Alinsug in action against Ateneo in the Shakey's Super League Preseason Unity Cup, October 15, 2025 at the San Andres Gym in Manila. Handout/SSL
MANILA -- Defending champion National University secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup second round on Wednesday.
The Lady Bulldogs claimed the bonus thanks to a 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 sweep of the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
After a shaky opener, National U flexed their firepower to overwhelm the struggling Blue Eagles and improve to 3-0 in Pool E.
The Lady Bulldogs will face the fourth-ranked squad in Pool F in the crossover quarterfinals.
Chams Maaya and Josline Salazar spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs' assault with 10 points each and combined for 14 of the team's 37 attack points.
"Ang motivation naming lahat ay dapat maganda ang performance and all out kami kasi if ever may two days kaming pahinga. Pahinga talaga ang kailangan namin ngayon kaya all out talaga kami as a team ngayon," Maaya said.
NU trailed 21-22 in the opening set before Maaya took matters into her own hands, scoring three of their last four points to snatch the frame.
They found their rhythm from there and handed Ateneo its fourth straight loss.
"Nu'ng first set medyo shaky kami. Nung (second) set na 'yun doon talaga namin inaayos 'yung mga pagkukulang namin," Maaya said.
Ana Hermosura had eight points while Dona De Leon scored six for Ateneo, which gave NU 26 free points from its errors.
Adamson's Shaina Nitura in action against UP in the Shakey's Super League Preseason Unity Cup, October 15, 2025 at the San Andres Gym in Manila. Handout/SSL
Meanwhile, Shaina Nitura returned after a two-game rest and dropped 22 points to power Adamson University past University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, to grab the other quarters incentive in Pool E.
Nitura got 21 of her points from kills and had nine excellent receptions in a rousing comeback for the Lady Falcons in the competition.
Frances Mordi added 10 markers and Lhouriz Tuddao had six points for Adamson, which closed the round with a 2-1 slate and will take on the No. 3 seed in Pool F in the next stage.
The Fighting Maroons absorbed back-to-back setbacks after sweeping the first round.
Kiane Olango had nine points while Yesha Noceja and Casiey Dongallo finished with seven markers each for UP.
The Fighting Maroons and Blue Eagles battle on Friday to determine their quarterfinal seeding.