Beyond The Sidelines

Tag: Volleyball

  • Lady Cardinals Sweeps Lady Bombers, 3–0, in Shakey’s Super League

    MVP of the game Freighanne Garcia during their 3–0 victory over the JRU Lady Bombers in the Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
    Photo Credits: Shakey’s Super League/facebook.com

    The MAPUA Lady Cardinals Takes Control Early

    The Mapúa Lady Cardinals delivered a composed performance against the JRU Lady Bombers, securing a 3–0 victory in the Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup.

    Mapúa established its advantage early in the match, taking the opening set 25–21. JRU remained within reach throughout the frame, but the Cardinals managed to maintain their lead and close out the set by four points.

    The opening-set victory gave Mapúa an important advantage as the team entered the second frame. With momentum on their side, the Cardinals continued to apply pressure and looked to create a larger gap on the scoreboard.

    JRU attempted to keep pace, but Mapúa gradually pulled away. The Cardinals eventually claimed the second set 25–14, giving them a commanding 2–0 lead.

    The second-set result was the biggest difference between the two teams throughout the match. Mapúa’s 11-point advantage placed the Cardinals one set away from completing the sweep.

    Cardinals Complete the Sweep

    Facing a two-set deficit, the JRU Lady Bombers entered the third set needing a victory to extend the match.

    The Lady Bombers responded with a more competitive showing. Unlike the second set, JRU managed to stay close to Mapúa throughout much of the frame. The two teams battled for control as the Cardinals looked to close out the match.

    Mapúa, however, maintained its composure and eventually secured another 25–21 victory. The four-point win gave the Cardinals the third and final set and completed their straight-set victory.

    The first and third sets both ended with a 25–21 scoreline, while the second set produced Mapúa’s largest winning margin.

    A Complete Three-Set Performance

    Mapúa’s victory was defined by its consistency across the entire match. The Cardinals won each set and never allowed JRU to force a fourth frame.

    The first set established Mapúa’s advantage, while the second provided the team’s biggest separation. JRU then mounted a stronger challenge in the third, but Mapúa ultimately found enough to finish the match.

    The 3–0 result also highlighted the Cardinals’ ability to close out sets. Although JRU stayed competitive in two of the three frames, Mapúa finished both with identical 25–21 scores.

    The match took place at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on September 25, 2026, as part of the Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup. With the straight-set victory, Mapúa finished the contest without dropping a set against JRU.

    For the Lady Cardinals, the 25–21, 25–14, 25–21 result provides a clear summary of the match: a competitive opening, a dominant second set, and a controlled finish.

    SETMU LADY CARDINALSJRU LADY BOMBERS
    1st2521
    2nd2514
    3rd2521
    4th––
    5th––
    FINAL30

  • PWU Patriots Make Strong Start With WNCAA 57 Sweep

    PWU Patriots Make Strong Start With WNCAA 57 Sweep

    The Philippine Women’s University (PWU) Patriots secured their first win in WNCAA Season 57 after dominating Miriam College, 3-0, with set scores of 25-7, 25-5, and 25-11.

    PWU wasted no time establishing control, cruising through the opening set with an 18-point advantage. The Patriots continued their strong showing in the second frame, limiting Miriam to just five points before closing out the set, 25-5.

    PWU Takes Control From the Start

    The Patriots carried their momentum into the third set, maintaining their lead and completing the sweep with a 25-11 victory.

    PWU’s consistency throughout all three sets allowed the team to keep Miriam from finding its rhythm. The decisive scorelines reflected the Patriots’ strong execution and teamwork on the court.

    Rotoni Leads Patriots’ Winning Effort

    Frances Anne Rotoni was named Player of the Game for her performance in PWU’s straight-set victory.

    Rotoni played an important role in the Patriots’ dominant showing as PWU secured its first WNCAA Season 57 victory. Her recognition highlighted her contribution to a team effort that saw the Patriots control the match from beginning to end.

    First Win Builds Confidence Moving Forward

    Universities and Colleges Athletic League/facebook.com

    The victory gives PWU an early confidence boost as the Patriots prepare for their succeeding matches in WNCAA Season 57.

    When asked how the first win changes the team’s confidence moving into their next games, Rotoni said,

    “First of all, we honor our first victory to God for giving us the strength and guidance to achieve it. That first win gives us confidence that we belong here and motivates us to keep improving. We had a lot of lapses and mistakes in our first game, so we know there are still many things we need to work on as a team.”

    With their first victory secured in convincing fashion, the Patriots will look to carry the same energy and consistency into their next match.

  • Shakey’s Super League Set to Return as 2026 Pre-Season Unity Cup Nears

    Shakey’s Super League Set to Return as 2026 Pre-Season Unity Cup Nears

    The Shakey’s Super League (SSL) is set to return to the collegiate volleyball scene as the 2026 Pre-Season Unity Cup opens on September 25, 2026.

    The tournament will bring together top collegiate teams from the UAAP and NCAA. It will also give teams an early opportunity to test their lineups ahead of the new collegiate season.

    Teams Gear Up for the New Season

    The Pre-Season Unity Cup will serve as a key preparation ground for participating teams. Coaches can evaluate their players and experiment with different combinations.

    For athletes, the tournament provides valuable game experience. It also gives teams a chance to build chemistry before their respective collegiate campaigns begin.

    Campus Tours Build Excitement

    The SSL is also holding campus tours ahead of the tournament. The activities aim to bring the league closer to students and volleyball fans.

    Among the universities included in the tour are San Beda University and Arellano University. The visits are part of the countdown to the September 25 opening.

    The campus activities also give fans a preview of the teams and players they can expect to see in the tournament.

    UST Golden Tigresses Claim SSL National Invitationals Title

    The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses are fresh off their championship run in the early 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals last July, where they defeated the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers.

    The title-clinching victory came on Sunday, July 26, at the FilOil Centre, adding another championship to the Golden Tigresses’ campaign in collegiate volleyball.

    A New Season Awaits

    With the opening date fast approaching, anticipation continues to build among collegiate volleyball fans.

    The 2026 Pre-Season Unity Cup is expected to feature rising talents, established players, and teams looking to make an early statement.

    As the campus tours continue, teams are also preparing for another competitive season.

    The road to the new collegiate volleyball season begins on September 25 with the return of the Shakey’s Super League.