Joy Aseo stepped up in the absence of Shaina Nitura, leading Adamson University to a commanding sweep of Arellano University, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19, to advance to the second round of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League Preseason Unity Cup on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Aseo powered the Lady Falcons with 12 points as they notched their second straight victory in as many outings, joining fellow unbeaten squad Far Eastern University atop Pool B.
With Nitura sitting out the match, Adamson showed complete control throughout, dispatching the Lady Chiefs in just 77 minutes.
“Naging patient lang kami sa isa’t isa and nag-team work. Sinasabi sa amin ni coach na gawin ang best namin para manalo. Win or lose man, it’s OK, basta yung best namin pinu-push namin,” said Aseo, who tallied eight kills and four aces.
Red Bascon added eight points, while Abegail Segui and Frances Mordi chipped in six apiece for Adamson, which previously ruled the National Invitationals Cebu Leg two months ago.
The Lady Falcons will face the Invitationals Batangas Leg champions on Friday at the same venue to wrap up the preliminary round of the league’s centerpiece tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea.
Jazmine Palalon and Jayde Dela Cruz finished with seven and six points, respectively, to lead Arellano, which ended its campaign with a 1-2 record.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde rallied from a set down and outlasted Ateneo de Manila University in a marathon four-setter, 18-25, 25-13, 25-23, 33-31, to complete a three-game sweep of Pool D.
The Lady Blazers leaned on veteran middle blocker Zam Nolasco, who delivered clutch plays down the stretch to help CSB stay unbeaten in the group stage of the competition, 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.
CSB blew three match-point opportunities but refused to surrender, surviving five set-point deficits in the extended fourth frame.
Nolasco tied the set at 31-all with a booming kill before slamming another attack past Zey Pacia to give the Lady Blazers match point. The thrilling two-hour, two-minute duel ended when Pacia’s spike attempt went straight into the net.
Nolasco led the charge with 19 points built on 15 kills and four kill blocks, while Shahanna Lleses added 12 and Rhea Densing scored 11 for the four-time NCAA champions.
Despite strong performances from Ana Hermosura (19 points) and Pacia (17 points), Ateneo fell to 1-1. Faye Nisperos contributed 14 points in the losing effort.
The Blue Eagles now face a must-win scenario in their second-round bid when they battle winless San Sebastian College–Recoletos (0-2) on Friday.
Games in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are streamed live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
