Far Eastern University turned back College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, to clinch the last twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Friday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Alyzza Devosora came up big in the clutch, powering the Lady Tamaraws to an all-important win that sealed a 2-1 record and the No. 2 spot in Pool F at the end of the second round.
The outside spiker fired 10 of her 16 points in the decisive fourth set, including four of FEU’s final six points to close out the match.
“Tumatakbo sa isip namin na quarterfinals, kailangan maganda ‘yung standings namin. Goal talaga namin 3-0 kaso medyo nakulangan, naging shaky, nawalan ng pasa. So mas inimprove namin ‘yun para makuha ‘yung last set,” said Devosora.
The Lady Tamaraws will next face Pool E third seed University of the Philippines, in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. The tournament is backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea.
FEU, the champion of the SSL National Invitationals Batangas Leg, squandered a four-point cushion midway through the fourth set as CSB launched a 7-1 rally to seize a 21-19 advantage.
Gerzel Petallo, however, led the Lady Tamaraws’ strong finishing push with a 6-2 run, capped by back-to-back kills from Devosora to seal the win.
Petallo topscored with 17 points, while Cla Loresco chipped in eight.
The Lady Blazers, who finished the round with a 1-2 slate, will take on twice-to-beat Adamson University in the next phase.
Zam Nolasco paced CSB with 14 points, while Clydel Catarig added 12.
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In the opening match, the University of the Philippines finally broke through, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-19, 25-15, 25-14, for their first and only win in the second round of the competition.
The SSL Preseason Unity Cup is supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel, Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com as technical partners.
Jelai Gajero spearheaded UP’s charge with 11 of her 12 points coming off attacks, alongside two digs and two excellent receptions. Irah Jaboneta and Sarah Ali also contributed eight and seven points, respectively, to help the Fighting Maroons snap a two-game skid.
“Pinag-usapan namin ‘yung mental toughness, which is naging problema namin in the previous games. ‘Yun ang wino-workout namin na lumaban with heart and mind,” said Gajero.
“Hinahabol namin ‘yung first win namin ngayon kasi mahalaga ‘yun para sa amin para ma-boost din ang confidence namin.”
The Blue Eagles went winless in the second round, setting up a quarterfinal duel with Pool F top seed and twice-to-beat University of Santo Tomas.
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Faye Nisperos stood as Ateneo’s lone bright spot with 11 points as the Blue Eagles suffered their sixth straight loss dating back to the preliminaries.
Four-peat-seeking and twice-to-beat National University, meanwhile, will face San Beda University in the other quarterfinal pairing.
All matches in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are streamed live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
