UP's Jelai Gajero in action against Ateneo in the 2025 SSL Preseason Unity Cup, November 8, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Handout/Shakey's
MANILA -- University of the Philippines emerged triumphant in an early meeting between Katipunan neighbors on Saturday, defeating the Ateneo de Manila University for a fifth-place finish in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup.
The Fighting Maroons recovered from a set down to turn back the Blue Eagles, 23-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-16, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
This is UP's best result in the preseason tournament.
Kianne Olango led the way with 17 points built on 16 kills, while Jelai Gajero added 16 and Nina Ytang scored 12 markers.
UP's second unit sparked their comeback, igniting an 18-8 finishing kick after trailing 7-88 in the second set.
"Sinabi lang niya (coach Fabio Menta) na maging consistent kami and makinig sa kanya whenever may adjustment. And most importantly, ang sinabi niya na maging buo lang kami this game, ipakita namin na iisa kaming naglalaro," said Olango.
Casiey Dongallo added nine points while Yesha Noceja and Bien Bansil, who punctuated the win with a monstrous single block, added six markers each for the Fighting Maroons.
Ana Hermosura fired 13 points in a lost cause for the Blue Eagles. Zey Pacia and Faye Nisperos, who left the game late in the fourth set after twisting her right ankle, finished with 10 points apiece.
The CSB Lady Blazers celebrate against San Beda in the 2025 SSL Preseason Unity Cup, November 8, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Handout/Shakey's
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde made quick work of San Beda University, 25-10, 25-20, 25-14, to salvage a seventh-place finish.
The Lady Blazers' second unit overcame San Beda's challenge in the second set and eventually wrapped up the win in 86 minutes.
Zam Nolasco flexed her muscle at the net, scoring five of her game-high 10 points from kill blocks to lead the four-time NCAA champion CSB.
Clydel Catarig and Fionna Inocentes added nine and eight markers, respectively, for the Lady Blazers, who took advantage of the absence of Lady Red Spikers top hitter Angel Habacon.
Despite the loss, this was still San Beda's best placing in the competition.
Janelle Bachar paced the Mendiola-based squad with six points while Jeliane Catubig had five markers.