By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
A total of 16 collegiate squads – six from UAAP and all 10 from NCAA – slug it out in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup starting Sept. 20 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
National University, which is bidding for its fourth straight title, banners the field with everyone chasing for a taste of glory in the annual event serving as their final stop in time for the opening of their respective leagues.
Other teams from UAAP are Ateneo, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson and University of the Philippines, while comprosing NCAA schools are Arellano University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Letran, Mapua, San Beda, San Sebastian College, University of Perpetual Help, and Lyceum.
Last year’s runner-up La Salle and University of the East are taking a leave of absence as they are focused on rebuilding their respective squads, but still expect the tournament to be as competitive as the previous seasons.
“We are happy to continue to grow the sport of volleyball and are looking forward to another successful tournament,” said Dr. Ian Laurel, president and chairman of SSL organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES) during the press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Shakey’s Buendia branch.
Also present were Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI) President and CEU Vic Gregorio, SPAVI General Manager Oliver Sicam, SPAVI Marketing Head Regina Asa, PLDT and Smart Communications Head of Sports Jude Turcuato, ACES Director Ariel Paredes and ASICS Philippines Brand Communication Executive Diego Vergel De Dios.
The tournament will follow an all-to-play format, allowing every player of each team to get the exposure they needed and for the coaches to discover various combinations for his team.
The 16 squads are bracketed into four groups, with the top two teams of each pool advancing to the next round.
The two-group second round will play in the round-robin format to determine their rankings in the crossover quarterfinals. Semifinals and the battle for bronze will be played in a knockout game, while finals will be a best-of-three affair.
