University of the Philippines pulled off a gritty 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13, come-from-behind win over University of Santo Tomas to open its campaign in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League Preseason Unity Cup on a bright note Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Fighting Maroons uncorked a closing 8-0 barrage in the deciding set to erase a six-point deficit and walk away with a huge victory in Pool C, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.
Casiey Dongallo finished with 20 points—18 kills, one ace, and a kill block—while also contributing seven digs and five excellent receptions, powering the National Invitationals Davao Leg runner-up.
Senior Nina Ytang added 15 points, and Kianne Olango, Bien Bansil, and Jelai Gajero chipped in nine markers each for the Fabio Menta-mentored squad.
UP clawed its way out of a 13-7 hole in the fifth set, capitalizing on a costly service error by UST winger Margaret Altea.
The Fighting Maroons strung five more points off Irah Jaboneta, Olango, and Bansil, before Dongallo hammered the final blow to complete the escape.
“Siguro nandoon na yung ibinibigay na confidence ng mga seniors namin at mga coaches. Kasi noong pumasok na sina Ate Nina and Ate Irah, sinasabi nila sa amin na ilaban lang, kahit na lamang sila basta pusuan namin at tibayan namin,” said Dongallo.
UP’s net defense proved crucial, with Ytang and Bansil combining for 10 of the team’s 15 kill blocks in the competition.
Angge Poyos led the Tigreses with 15 of her 16 points from kills, while Avril Bron and Altea added 12 and nine points, respectively.
Earlier, Arellano University quelled a late surge by Jose Rizal University to claim a 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 16-25, 15-10 debut victory in Pool B.
The Lady Chiefs rebounded from a meltdown that erased their two-set advantage with a strong 4-0 start in the deciding frame, holding off JRU for a hard-fought win.
Rookie Cassey Florida led the Lady Chiefs with 19 points from 17 kills and two aces, while Yen Sabanal and Leoranne Santiago added 12 and nine markers, respectively.
The Lady Bombers were paced by Czarina Ramos with 19 points, supported by Patricia Del Pilar and Nicole Deala with 15 and 13 markers.
On Saturday evening, University of Perpetual Help bounced back from an opening set setback to down San Sebastian College, 30-32, 25-16, 25-16, 25-18, in Pool D action.
Shaila Omipon led the Lady Altas with 15 points, Cyrille Almeniana added 12, and Jaz Lagmay contributed 10 markers along with seven of the team’s 13 blocks. Katherine Santos posted 20 points for the Lady Stags.
All games in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports, with 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 serving as technical partners.
