SAN JUAN, Philippines — Unbeaten powerhouses National University (NU) and Far Eastern University (FEU) will face off on Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Centre to dispute the top seeding in Pool E as the Round of 8 of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup concludes.
Both squads have already secured twice-to-beat incentives after winning their first two assignments in the second round. The five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs carry a five-game winning streak into the 3 p.m. showdown, though they head into the match following a four-set battle against Adamson University where they dropped the opening frame.
NU head coach Norman Miguel emphasized the importance of maintaining focus against a formidable FEU side that earned a bronze finish last year.
“Marami kaming natutunan from last game. Natalo kami sa first set because of lack of connection between spikers and setters, lack of focus, and nandoon din kasi ‘yung gigil factor,” Miguel said.
“When we got back to our groove, ‘yung normal na kilos and game character that’s the time na nanalo kami.”
Miguel will lean on Sam Cantada, Arah Panique, and Vange Alinsug to counter the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, which features middle blockers Cla Loresco and Jaz Ellarina alongside opposite spiker Ia David.
In other matchups, University of Santo Tomas (UST) battles Letran at 1 p.m. with a chance to lock up the Pool F top spot. The Golden Tigresses are looking to fix slow-start tendencies noted by winger Angge Poyos after their recent four-set win over the University of the Philippines.
“Nagiging trend sa team namin na talagang slow start kami sa first set. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung need namin i-improve,” Poyos said.
“Good thing na rin sa team namin marami talagang mga batang nag-i-step up lalo na ‘yung mga galing sa bench. Nagko-contribute naman sila especially kapag ‘di maganda ang nangyarari sa loob. Ready sila kapag ipinapasok sila.”
Meanwhile, UP faces winless Ateneo de Manila University at 5 p.m., while Adamson and College of Saint Benilde open the quadruple-header at 11 a.m. All matches will be broadcast live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports.