Balik local volleyball, 11 koponan lumarga sa NAS

ni Clyde Mariano @Sports | July 11, 2024

Dalawang araw matapos ang FIVB Challenger Cup na napanalunan ng Czech Republic at tinalo ang Puerto Rico, muling aagaw nang pansin ang volleyball local scene sa 2024 Shakey’s League Invitational Volleyball Women na lalarga sa July 10 sa Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Labindalawa minus defending champion La Salle ang kalahok sa weeklong competition na sinuportahan ng Philippine Sports Commission at Philippine Olympic Committee. Tampok ang National University, College St. Benilde, Lyceum, Taguig based Enderun, University of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro-based Xavier University, SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato, Saranggani at General City) at Cebu-based University of San Carlos ang San Jose Recoletos.

Tiniyak ni Shakey’s president Vic Gregorio na magiging kapana-panabik ang 2024 edition dahil lahat na kalahok may kakayahang mag-champion. “The tournament carries the same aura of excitement like is previous tournaments,” sabi ni Gregorio sa press conference na dinaluhan ni dating PATAFA president at PSC Chairman at ACES Chairman Philip E. Juico. 

“Shakey’s is totally committed to support this noble project because the objective of the company is to promote volleyball to the highest level. This is the reason Shakey’s is here to stay and support the tournament all throughout the years,” wika ni Juico.

Dahil wala ang defending champion La Salle, paborito ang National University na manalo dahil malakas ang almost intact ang lineup. Third place ang NU coach ni Norman Miguel noong nakaraang UAAP Volleyball sa likod ng La Salle at University of Santo Tomas.

Hindi sumali ang La Salle dahil ilan sa key players ay injured at lumakas ang tsansa ng NU na masungkit ang korona na binakante ng Lady Green Archers. Hahatiin ang 12 koponan sa 4 na grupo na maglalaban para sa 1 round elimination at ang top four ay aabanse sa finals.