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 (SSL) 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 of the league, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Casiey Dongallo finished with 20 points built from 18 kills, one ace and a kill block to power the National Invitationals Davao Leg runner-up. She added seven digs and five excellent receptions for an all-around performance for UP.
Veteran Nina Ytang scored 15 points off 10 attacks and five kill blocks while Kianne Olango, Bien Bansil and Jelai Gajero added nine markers each for the Fabio Menta-mentored Fighting Maroons.
UP clawed its way out of a deep, 13-7, hole in the fifth set by taking advantage of a costly service error by UST winger Margaret Altea.
The Fighting Maroons strung five more points off Irah Jaboneta, Olango and Bansil, who tipped in an easy ball off a UST over reception to reach matchpoint.
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.
“Naka-boost ng confidence namin sa loob na nadoon yung seniors namin nakagabay sa amin and sa mga coaches namin.”
UP displayed its vaunted net defense with Ytang and Bansil combining for 10 of the team’s 15 kill blocks in 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.
The Tigresses sustained the momentum of their fourth set win by controlling the decider early. UST widened an 8-5 gap to 13-7 after a booming hit by Angge Poyos before allowing UP to mount a decisive rally.
Poyos scored 15 of her 16 points off kills while Avril Bron and Altea finished with 12 and nine points, respectively, for the Tigresses.
Games in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
Games on September 26
(Playtime FilOil Centre)
2 p.m. – CSB vs SSC-R
4 p.m. — LPU vs San Beda
6 p.m. — JRU vs Adamson
