Cavite:Defending champions, the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, are set to face the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) in Pool E of the Shakey's Super League (SSL) Unity Cup Round of 8. The match will take place at the Imus Sports Complex in Cavite this Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Lady Bulldogs, who hold a perfect 4-0 record from the elimination round, will meet the Lady Blazers at 3 p.m. NU's head coach, Norman Miguel, emphasized the importance of roster depth and bench contributions in the tournament's all-to-play format. Miguel highlighted the advantage of having competitive second-team players when senior players are not at their best.

The CSB Lady Blazers, having won two out of their three matches in the opening round, are one of only two NCAA teams advancing to the playoffs. Lady Blazers captain and main setter Zen Basilio expressed the significance of playing against UAAP teams.

Earlier in the day, the University of the Philippines will take on reigning NCAA champions Letran at 11 a.m. in the Pool F curtain-raiser. The Fighting Maroons remain undefeated after three elimination games, while the Lady Knights secured their Round of 8 spot by winning three out of four initial matches.

In another Pool F matchup, the undefeated University of Santo Tomas will face Ateneo de Manila University at 1 p.m. The Golden Tigresses, last year's runner-up, topped their pool in the eliminations, whereas the Blue Eagles earned their playoff spot by defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos in a recent match.

Far Eastern University and Adamson University will clash at 5 p.m. in Pool E. The Lady Tamaraws, who hold a 3-0 record, secured the bronze medal last year by defeating the Lady Falcons. The tournament format involves a single-round robin play within each group, with the top two teams from each group earning quarterfinal incentives.