NU earns crack at SSL four-peat

MANILA, Philippines —  Defending champion National University advanced to a fourth straight finals appearance after booting out Far Eastern University, 25-20, 27-25, 25-21, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The twice-to-beat Lady Bulldogs displayed steady composure especially in the second frame, where they needed to save four set points, to turn back the Lady Tamaraws and come within two more wins of a four-peat.

Skipper Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh led the way for unbeaten NU’s eighth straight victory in the league’s centerpiece tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

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. 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 Nov. 8 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

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.