San Beda University rediscovered its fine form after an opening set struggle to sweep Lyceum of the Philippines University, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, for a second straight win and solo lead in Pool A of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Paco Arena.
Angel Habacon and Janelle Bachar anchored the Lady Red Spikers’ red-hot offense to stay unbeaten in two starts in the tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
After escaping the first set by the skin of its teeth, San Beda kept Lyceum at bay by building early cushions in the next two frames for the victory, which boosted its chances of advancing into the next round.
Habacon fired 11 points from nine kills and two aces, while tallying five digs for the Mendiola-based squad.
“Ang gameplan lang namin is mag-enjoy and i-compose ang sarili namin. Sabi nga ni coach Kungfu (Reyes), empty your cup palagi para may madadag pang information sa bawat time out na ibibigay ng mga coaches,” Habacon said.
Meantime, College of Saint Benilde got off to a good start by crushing San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-17, 25-20, 25-18, in Pool D .
It took the Lady Blazers just 77 minutes to submit the Lady Stags, with their firepower and balanced scoring on full display.
Zam Nolasco made the most of her brief stint by blasting nine points from six kills and three kill blocks all in the first set before calling it a day for CSB’s statement victory in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Except for some anxious moments in the final stretch of the second set, the SSL National Invitationals Batangas Leg runners-up controlled the duel that was rescheduled after its postponement last week due to Typhoon Opong.
Nolasco had plenty of help on offense as Camila Bartolome shone in her conversion to open spiker from middle blocker with a seven-point output including six attacks.
Shekaina Lleses also had seven markers while Rhea Densing and Mae Flores added six and five points, respectively, for the four-time NCAA champion CSB, which outgunned SSC-R in spikes, 44-30.
The Lady Blazers shattered a 19-19 deadlock in the second frame with four unanswered points for a comfortable cushion. SSC-R was able to stop the bleeding but it was its last point of the set with Densing scoring on a combination play, followed by a reception miscue by the Lady Stags.
Games in the SSL Preseason Unity Cup are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.
