NU's Vange Alinsug attacks the defense of FEU in their semifinal match in the 2025 Shakey's Super League Preseason Unity Cup, October 26, 2025 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Handout/Shakey's
MANILA -- National University progressed to the finals of the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup after a straight sets victory over Far Eastern University, Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
National U was armed with a twice-to-beat advantage but made sure to take care of business against the Lady Tamaraws in their semifinal match-up, 25-20, 27-25, 25-21, to advance to the finals for the fourth straight time.
The Lady Bulldogs showed their composure in the second frame where they saved four set points against the Lady Tamaraws.
Skipper Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh led the way as NU racked up its eighth straight win. Alinsug finished with 11 points off nine kills and two kill blocks to go with five digs and five excellent receptions, while Marsh got nine markers.
READ: NU, UST take care of business to advance to SSL semis
Chams Maaya and Josline Salazar added eight points each for NU, which will face the winner in the other semis pairing between twice-to-beat University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University in the best-of-three championship starting on November 8 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs clawed their way back from a 21-24 deficit in the second frame with three straight points capped by a costly miscue by the Lady Tamaraws.
FEU regained the lead, but a Chams Maaya kill followed by an Alyzza Devosora attack error turned the tables around as NU went up, 26-25. Josline Salazar shut the door on Devosora in the next play as the Lady Bulldogs stole the frame for a 2-0 match lead.
The SSL National Invitationals Davao Leg champs established a 17-12 gap in the third frame and held off the Lady Tamaraws' repeated comeback attempts.
"Nalinis namin 'yung galaw namin and nung sa second set that was a test of character para sa amin. Itong game na ito is very important for us para makaangat kami sa finals," Marsh said.
"Ang sinasabi po sa amin we should never use that (twice-to-beat) advantage kasi dun kukuha ng kompiyansa ang kalaban kapag nagamit nila yung twice-to-beat advantage. Ang mindset namin is all-out kami may twice-to-beat advantage man o wala," she added.
Ia David had eight points, Devosora scored seven while Kyle Pendon got eight markers for FEU.
The Lady Tamaraws, winners of the National Invitationals Batangas Leg, will battle the loser of the UST-Adamson semis match in a winner-take-all bronze medal affair on November 8.
Meanwhile, Adamson standout Shaina Nitura has been unveiled as the new SSL Ambassador, taking over the role held by NU product and Alas Pilipinas teammate Bella Belen.
Nitura received the honor in a turnover ceremony held before the UST-Adamson match.