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.
In the other game, Arellano University quelled a scary uprising by Jose Rizal University for a 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 16-25, 15-10, debut escape in Pool B.
The Lady Chiefs responded from a meltdown that erased their two-set advantage with a strong 4-0 start in the deciding frame before holding off the Lady Bombers the rest of the way.
Rookie Cassey Florida piled up 19 points from 17 kills and two aces to lead the Lady Chiefs, whose fire diminished after dominating the first two sets before recovering their bearing in the decider.
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.
