NU completes SSL 4-peat behind award-stacked cast

National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs stamped its dominance once again after completing a dramatic comeback against University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Tigresses, 22-25, 25-22, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10, to secure a historic four-peat in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Nov. 15.

The championship win capped another perfect run for the Lady Bulldogs, who swept all 10 of their matches on the way to extending their reign in the preseason tilt. 

It also strengthened NU’s grip on the SSL trophy, having ruled the competition every year since its launch in 2022.

With rookie phenom Sam Cantada firing 24 points and veteran scorer Vange Alinsug adding 19, NU steadied itself after a shaky start and leaned on its playoff maturity to take control of the fifth set. 

Tournament MVP and Best Setter Lams Lamina masterfully directed the offense, posting 25 excellent sets, while backup playmaker Abegail Pono chipped in 26 of her own to fuel NU’s 65-kill output.

NU’s composure showed in the decider. 

A failed UST challenge during a crucial mid-rally gave the Lady Bulldogs a 12-8 edge, and from there on they kept their grip on the lead. 

Kaye Bombita and Alinsug pushed NU to championship point, 14-9, before a misfired serve by UST’s Mary Anne Coronado sealed the title for the defending queens.

On the defensive end, Shaira Jardio anchored NU with 18 digs and 11 excellent receptions, efforts that earned her the Best Libero plum as NU collected multiple individual awards along with the crown. 

Chams Maaya was named 1st Best Middle Blocker, while outside hitters Gula and Shaina Nitura of Adamson rounded out the wing positions. UST’s Marga Altea, who produced 11 points in the finals, secured 2nd Best Middle Blocker honors, while teammate Regina Jurado emerged as Best Opposite Spiker.

Despite missing injured star Angge Poyos, UST pushed NU to the brink. 

Xyza Gula paced the Tigresses with 16 points, followed by Julia Balingit with 13 and Jurado with 12, as the España squad settled for its second runner-up finish in the league.

With another title and a collection of individual trophies in hand, National University now turns its focus to the coming UAAP season with an unbroken standard of excellence built across four unbeaten SSL campaigns.