NU, FEU clash for quarterfinals No. 1 seed in Shakey's Super League
MANILA, Philippines — Undefeated squads defending champion National University and Far Eastern University square off in an explosive battle for the top seeding in the crossover quarterfinals as the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup Round of 8 concludes on Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Already assured of twice-to-beat incentives after hurdling their first two assignments in Pool E, the five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs and Lady Tamaraws meet at 3 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s semifinals to secure a favorable position in the next round.
NU won its first five games in the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea, in sweeping fashion but had to fight back from a set down to repel Adamson University, 18-25, 25-19, 25-12, 25-22, on October 28.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel warns his team against complacency and expects his players to learn from their mistakes in the previous outing.
“Marami kaming natutunan from last game. Natalo kami sa first set because of lack of connection between spikers and setters, lack of focus, and nandoon din kasi ‘yung gigil factor,” Miguel said.
“When we got back to our groove, ‘yung normal na kilos and game character that's the time na nanalo kami.” Miguel is pinning his hopes on the trio of sophomore Sam Cantada, Arah Panique and Vange Alinsug to beat streaking FEU, which bagged the bronze medal last year.
The Lady Tamaraws crushed College of Saint Benilde, 25-14, 25-9, 25-17, over a week ago to snatch a quarters bonus. FEU looks to match NU’s firepower with its vaunted net defense, anchored by solid middle blockers Cla Loresco and Jaz Ellarina, and versatile opposite spiker Ia David, who scored three kill blocks last game.
The winner will face the No. 4 seed in Pool F in the quarterfinals of the competition, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, Jersey Haven, Solar Sports and 12 Beyond Production as technical partners. Meanwhile, last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas aims to preserve its perfect record and lock the Pool F No. 1 seed when it collides with Letran at 1 p.m.
The Golden Tigresses booked a quarters advantage after taking down erstwhile unbeaten University of the Philippines, 26-28, 25-15, 25-17, 25-11, for their second win in the round-robin second round. However, UST can’t afford another slow start against the Lady Knights, who are eyeing the last quarters incentive.
“Nagiging trend sa team namin na talagang slow start kami sa first set. ‘Yun talaga 'yung need namin i-improve,” UST winger Angge Poyos said.
“Good thing na rin sa team namin marami talagang mga batang nag-i-step up lalo na ‘yung mga galing sa bench. Nagko-contribute naman sila especially kapag 'di maganda ang nangyayari sa loob. Ready sila kapag ipinapasok sila,” she added.
Letran is fresh off a 30-32, 22-25, 25-17, 26-24, 15-13, reverse sweep of Ateneo De Manila University for a 1-1 win-loss record tied with UP.
The Fighting Maroons are also shooting to secure a quarters incentive against the winless Blue Eagles at 5 p.m.
UP needs to win in three or four sets to claim the quarters bonus in case of a three-way tie at 2-1 with UST and Letran.
Ateneo also has a chance to snatch the incentive if it wins in straight sets or four sets and the Tigresses defeat the Lady Knights.
Meanwhile, Adamson (0-2) and CSB (0-2) open the busy quadruple-header at 11 a.m. to determine their quarters position.
All games in the competition are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports. TMT
