MANILA — Adamson University opens its campaign in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup against Lyceum of the Philippines University on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, with both teams looking to make an early statement in the collegiate volleyball tournament.
The match is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the Lady Falcons entering the competition determined to improve on last year’s campaign and push deeper into the tournament.
Adamson, which finished third in the inaugural SSL edition in 2022, will parade a strong lineup led by power-hitting winger Frances Mordi. Joy Aseo, Lhouriz Tuddao and Lana Barrera are also expected to play important roles, while Bella Sapienza and Fhei Sagaysay provide playmaking options.
Top hitter Shaina Nitura is also expected to join Adamson after a brief rest following her international duties with Alas Pilipinas at the Nagoya Asian Games.
The Lady Falcons are aiming for a podium finish after falling short in last year’s battle for the bronze medal against Far Eastern University.
Lyceum, meanwhile, enters the tournament hoping for a much stronger showing after being eliminated in the first round of the 2025 edition. The Lady Pirates will look to use Friday’s opener as an opportunity to establish momentum early in the competition.
The opening day will feature two more matches.
Mapua University faces Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m., with both teams seeking to improve after disappointing campaigns last year. Mapua managed just one victory in three matches, while JRU finished without a win.
Arellano University then takes on University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at 5 p.m.
The tournament’s formal opening is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by another triple-header featuring several of the country’s top collegiate programs.
Defending champion National University begins its bid for a fifth straight title against San Beda University at 5 p.m. University of Santo Tomas, last year’s runner-up, faces College of Saint Benilde at 1 p.m., while Far Eastern University battles Ateneo de Manila University at 3 p.m.
With several teams reshaping their lineups and others chasing redemption from last season, the Unity Cup is set to provide another early test of the depth and competitiveness of Philippine collegiate volleyball.
For Adamson and Lyceum, however, the immediate challenge is clear: start strong, gain momentum and make the opening match count.
