Shakey’s Girls League of Champions under way

MANILA, Philippines - Ten teams brace for a week-long battle of power, hits and wits as they slug it out for top honors in the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League of Champions Season 14 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The event, which gathered the top teams from a grueling regional qualifiers, actually got under way yesterday with four matches although the formal opening will only be held today to be graced by Shakey’s events manger Stef Leuterio, Luz Ricardo of Mikasa and MyPhone’s Inyi Yruma.

Southern Luzon, represented by the core of De La Salle-Lipa, nipped National U of the NCR in a classic five-setter to clinch the crown last year with the two fancied teams tipped to clash again for this year’s championship with almost intact rosters.

DLS-Lipa and NU are grouped with Ateneo de Davao, Southwestern U and Holy Family Academy in Pool A while UST and Kings’ Montessori School head Pool B which includes Central Philippine University, Iligan City Nationa High and Holy Rosary College.

“While DLS-Lipa and NU have the materials and motivation to go at it again this year, we expect a host of others to contend for the crown,” said tournament director Johanz Buenvenida of the organizing Metro Sports.

DLS-Lipa tangles with Southwestern U at 3 p.m. today after the 2:30 p.m. opening rites while UST and Holy Rosary College collide at 4 p.m. before Ateneo de Davao and Holy Family Academy square off at 5 p.m.

Kings’ Montessori and Central Phl U duel in the main game at 6 p.m.

DLS-Lipa and NU are set to face off on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

The top two teams from each Pool after the single round elims will advance to the crossover semis on Wednesday with the winners to dispute the crown on Thursday.

For details, visit www.facebook.com/shakeysgirlsvleague.com