Manila: College of Saint Benilde and University of the Philippines are aiming to secure their spots in the semifinals of the Shakey's Super League (SSL) Unity Cup, with crucial matches scheduled at the Paco Arena on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Lady Blazers, led by Rhea Densing, overcame the second-seeded Lady Falcons in a nail-biting match last Tuesday, with scores of 28-26, 20-25, 25-15, 19-25, 15-12. This victory has set up a decisive rubber match at 3 p.m. Densing, along with Zam Nolasco, Camila Bartolome, and the Lleses sisters, Shekaina and Shahanna, are anticipated to be pivotal for the four-time NCAA champions, CSB.

Adamson, winners of the SSL National Invitational Cebu leg, will depend on players such as Joy Aseo, Frances Mordi, and Abegail Segui. However, standout Shane Nitura remains a doubtful starter. The victor of the CSB-Adamson clash will progress to the semifinals to face the twice-to-beat University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The University of the Philippines is also vying for a semifinal berth following their victory over Far Eastern University, with scores of 25-27, 25-21, 25-18, 25-20. The Fighting Maroons will look to Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Nina Ytang, and Bienne Bansil to overcome the National Invitationals Batangas leg champions, the Lady Tamaraws, led by Faida Bakanke, Gerzel Petallo, and Alyzza Devosora.

Dongallo expressed optimism, stating, "Because there is still Game 2, I think we will do better. We will study FEU to see what we lacked in the game and what else we need to improve because we know that FEU will try to bounce back." A win for UP will secure their place in the Final Four against the top-seeded National University, champions of the National Invitational Davao leg.