San juan: Arellano University kept its composure in the deciding fifth set to outlast Jose Rizal University, 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 16-25, 15-10, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Centre.
According to Philippines News Agency, rookie standout Cassey Florida powered the Lady Chiefs with 19 points built on 17 attacks and two aces. “We relaxed because we felt it was easy for us. In the first set and second set, we were a little bit relaxed. It was good that we recovered,” Florida commented on their performance.
Back-to-back aces by Ishy Lacsina gave Arellano a 12-6 lead in the fifth set. JRU moved to within 13-10 before Leoranne Santiago delivered two powerful spikes to seal the win after two hours and one minute. Yen Sabanal chipped in 12 points while Santiago had nine points for Arellano, which gained a share of the Pool B lead with Far Eastern University, which conquered Jose Rizal University, 25-15, 25-9, 25-23, last Saturday.
For JRU, Czarina Ramos fired 19 points, while Patricia Del Pilar and Nicole Deala added 15 and 13, respectively. Action resumes on Sept. 26, with JRU facing Adamson University at 6 p.m. and San Sebastian battling College of Saint Benilde at 2 p.m. Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Beda University clash at 4 p.m.
In other results last Saturday, San Beda edged Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-19, 19-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10, in Pool A, while University of Perpetual Help downed San Sebastian, 30-32, 25-16, 25-16, 25-18, in Pool D.
