Manila: San Sebastian College-Recoletos stunned Ateneo de Manila University, 19-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8, to end its campaign in the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Unity Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
According to Philippines News Agency, both teams finished with a 1-2 win-loss record in Pool D but Ateneo has a 4-2 match points advantage to secure the last seat in the second round. "We didn't expect to win this game. We really tried our best today, we helped each other. We lost two sets but coach Clint (Malazo) said just enjoy this game," said graduating winger Kath Santos, who scored 10 of her 21 points in the fourth set.
The Lady Stags kept their momentum in the fifth set, taking a 13-6 lead and playing steadier to wrap up the match in a little over two hours. Hermosura and Faye Nisperos scored 15 and 13 points, respectively, for Ateneo, which will face Adamson University on Sunday.
In the other game, University of the Philippines defeated Letran, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19, to sweep Pool C. Casiey Dongallo scored nine points, Yesha Noceja added seven points, while Sarah Ali, Bienne Bansil and Jelai Gajero chipped in six points each for the Fighting Maroons. Judiel Nitura led the winless Lady Knights with nine points followed by Jogi Maquillang with eight points.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University and Adamson University decided to forfeit their Pool B match due to prior commitments. Both teams won their first two games without dropping a set, but the Lady Tamaraws secured the top seeding in the pool for having a higher point quotient.
Second round matches on Saturday feature University of Santo Tomas against FEU at 4 p.m., College of Saint Benilde against San Beda University at 2 p.m. and National University against Adamson at 12 p.m.
