UST Secures Finals Spot with Straight-Set Victory Over Adamson at Shakey’s Super League

The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses secured their place in the finals of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup by sweeping Adamson University in a three-set semifinal match at Ninoy Aquino Stadium yesterday. UST triumphed 25-22, 25-22, 25-20 to clinch the last ticket to the championship round.

UST’s net defense, spearheaded by Marga Altea, combined with the relentless attacks of Angge Poyos, played a pivotal role in the team’s victory, marking their first finals appearance in two years. The Tigresses now aim to dethrone the four-time defending champions, National University, in the league’s marquee tournament, supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.

Meanwhile, the twice-to-beat Lady Bulldogs of National University dismissed Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-20, 27-25, 25-21, maintaining their pursuit of a second consecutive season sweep following their earlier win at the SSL National Invitationals Davao Leg.

The best-of-three championship series will commence on November 8 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The third-place playoff between the Lady Falcons (Adamson) and Lady Tamaraws (FEU)—winners of the National Invitationals Cebu and Batangas legs, respectively—is scheduled for November 15, also at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Altea’s standout performance included stellar net defense highlighted by three consecutive kill blocks that sealed the match for UST. Jurado led the Tigresses with 14 points, including 12 successful attacks and two kill blocks. Altea contributed eight points with four kill blocks, while Xyza Gula and Julia Balingit added seven points apiece, enabling UST to string together seven consecutive wins after an opening loss to the University of the Philippines.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Altea stated, "Since our initial loss to UP, it was a wake-up call that pushed us to improve and become more composed. We knew we could perform better, and that belief has driven our dedication to training, which we plan to continue."

In the closing moments of the third set, Altea secured a critical 23-18 lead for UST by denying Adamson’s Frances Mordi at the net. Despite Adamson’s spirited counterattacks, Altea’s decisive blocks sealed Adamson’s exit from the tournament.

Acknowledging their opponents, Altea remarked, "Adamson is a strong team, and we recognize the need to enhance our team chemistry and reduce errors, particularly in service. These are areas we will focus on to improve moving forward."

UST faced resistance in the second set, with Adamson staying close after UST took the opening frame. Balingit broke a tie at 22 points with a backrow attack, followed by Poyos’ kill block on Abegail Segui and Gula’s service ace that sealed the 2-0 match lead for the Tigresses.

Adamson’s newly appointed SSL Ambassador, Shaina Nitura, challenged UST’s defense relentlessly, finishing with a team-high 14 points, including 13 attacks. Frances Mordi contributed 10 points for Adamson.

The competition will resume on November 8 with matches deciding fifth place between University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University, while San Beda University faces the College of Saint Benilde for seventh place. The event is supported by multiple partners, including Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, and Summit, with technical partners such as Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel-Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com.