Adamson University’s Red Bascon tries to score against Arellano University’s Jaye Dela Cruz in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Thursday (October 9, 2025). The Lady Falcons won, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19 in the second round. (Contributed photo)
Adamson University and College of Saint Benilde booked their places in the second round of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup after dispatching separate opponents at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The Lady Falcons soared past Arellano University in straight sets, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19, on Thursday to notch their second consecutive victory and secure a seat in the next phase alongside Far Eastern University (FEU).
Joy Aseo powered Adamson with 12 points built on eight attacks and four service aces, leading the charge in the absence of key player Shaina Nitura.
“We were just patient with each other and worked as a team. Coach told us to give our best—win or lose, as long as we push to the limit,” Aseo said.
Red Bascon added eight points, while Abegail Segui and Frances Mordi chipped in six apiece for the National Invitationals Cebu leg champions. Adamson will next face FEU, the Invitationals Batangas leg titleholder, in a highly anticipated showdown on Friday to wrap up the preliminaries.
For Arellano, Jazmine Palalon and Jayde Dela Cruz finished with seven and six points, respectively, as the Lady Chiefs dropped to a 1-2 record.
Meanwhile, NCAA powerhouse College of Saint Benilde overcame a gritty Ateneo de Manila University squad, 18-25, 25-13, 25-23, 33-31, to sweep Pool D.
Four-time NCAA champion Zamantha Nolasco spearheaded the Lady Blazers’ comeback with 19 points off 15 kills and four blocks, while Shahanna Lleses and Rhea Densing contributed 12 and 11 points each.
Ateneo put up a gallant stand led by Ana Hermosura’s 19 points, Zey Pacia’s 17, and Faye Nisperos’ 14, but fell short in the extended fourth set.
The Blue Eagles (1-1) must defeat the winless San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags (0-2) on Friday to keep their playoff hopes alive.