The Shakey’s Pre-Season Unity Cup is about to begin this September 20 and here are the reasons why volleyball fans should tune in to this tournament.
UAAP vs NCAA: A Replica of V-League Collegiate Challenge
As the V-League Collegiate Challenge takes a break to give way for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Championship, fans can expect the same style of intensity and quality of volleyball action here for the Shakey’s Pre-Season Unity Cup.
The participating UAAP teams are:
- National University Lady Bulldogs
- Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws
- University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses
- Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles
- University of the Philippines Lady Maroons
- Adamson University Lady Falcons
Meanwhile, the entire NCAA teams will all be part of the tournament:
- Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals
- Arellano University Lady Chiefs
- College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers
- San Beda University Lady Red Spikers
- Mapua University Lady Cardinals
- San Sebastian College of Recoletos Lady Stags
- Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates
- Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers
- Colegio De San Juan De Letrán Lady Knights
- University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Lady Altas
The only 2 UAAP universities that didn’t participate in the event were the De La Salle University Lady Spikers and the University of the East Lady Red Warriors.
Round 1 Matchups: NU vs NCAA’s Finest, Letran vs UAAP Powerhouse and more
Photo Credits: Shakey’s Super League via FB
Above are the Groups/Pools where universities will play against.
In Pool A, it’ll be exciting if the Season 87 reigning champions NU Lady Bulldogs can showcase their excellence against NCAA teams considering that their Finals MVP, Bella Bellen has now graduated.
Meanwhile in Pool B, all eyes again will be on Shaina Nitura as she will try to lead the rest of the Lady Falcons battle against Jaz Ellarina of FEU Lady Tamaraws and the rest of NCAA teams.
For Pool C, it’ll be interesting to watch the Lady Knights of Judiel Nitura, who are the back to back NCAA volleyball runners up for Season 99 and 100, perform against UAAP powerhouse UST and UP.
Over in Pool D, the reigning 4-Peat NCAA Champions CSB Lady Blazers will look to come out on top against a rebuilding ADMU Lady Eagles and the rest of the NCAA teams.
Round 2 Matchups: Nitura Sibling Rivalry Part 2? Battle of Champions: NU vs CSB?
Photo Credits: Shakey’s Super League via FB
Above is the Preliminary Schedule, for Round 1 each team will compete in their respective Pools in a single round robin format. While in Round 2, only the Top 2 teams out of the 4 universities in each Group will advance.
During Round 2, fans may potentially watch some of the most intriguing matches in the 2020’s volleyball.
- Nitura Siblings Rivalry: Shaina vs Judiel, Adamson vs Letran
- Champions Collide: NU vs CSB
- Season 87 Semis Rematch: NU vs FEU
- Season 100 Finals Rematch: Letran vs CSB
- Season 87 Semis Clash: FEU vs UST
Ultimately a Preview of Upcoming Volleyball Collegiate Seasons
In the end, no matter which university comes out on top, one thing is certain, this particular event is just preparing fans on what they should expect from their favorite teams.
This preseason gives a glimpse on how exciting the NCAA Season 101 and UAAP Season 88 would be.
