Manila: Defending champion National University defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 25-17, 25-17, on Wednesday to sweep Pool E in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup at the San Andres Gym in Manila. The Lady Bulldogs, who earned a twice-to-beat incentive in the crossover quarterfinals, will meet the No. 4 team in Pool F.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chams Maaya and Josline Salazar delivered 10 points each and combined for 14 of the team’s 37 attack points. “Our motivation is to perform well and we are all out, if ever we have two days off. We really need a break, so we are all out as a team now,” said Maaya, who scored three of NU’s last four points in the opening set. “We were a little shaky in the first set. In the (second) set, that’s when we really fixed our shortcomings,” she added.

Ana Hermosura and Dona de Leon finished with eight and six points, respectively, for Ateneo, which took its second straight loss. Meanwhile, Adamson University beat University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, to secure the other quarterfinal incentive in Pool E.

Shaina Nitura, coming back from a two-game rest, led the Lady Falcons with 22 points and nine receptions. Frances Mordi chipped in 10 points while Lhouriz Tuddao had six points for Adamson, which closed the round with a 2-1 slate and will meet the No. 3 squad in Pool F. Kiane Olango scored nine points while Yesha Noceja and Casiey Dongallo contributed seven points each for UP, which will battle Ateneo to determine their seedings in the next round.