Pajo belles gun for 3-peat

CEBU, Philippines - Afterall, back-to-back champion Pajo National High School (PNHS) is back to defend its title in the Visayas eliminations of the 7th Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League starting on April 10 in Mandaue City.

PNHS head coach Fr. Rolando T. Manayon confirmed that they will still participate in the annual sports conclave since they are the defending champion.

“We will join, of course, because we wanted to defend our title and hopefully get the grandslam title," said Manayon.

Manayon, however, said they will miss their opening matches because the Pajo belles will represent Central Visayas to the Palarong Pambansa, which will also kick off on the same date in Tarlac City.

PNHS's entry in the Shakey's competition will surely heat up its rivarly with the equally-tough University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), a nine-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball titlist in the secondary division.

USPF coach Jordan Paca said that PNHS has always been their greatest rival but he leaves everything to his players whatever the outcome of the tournament will be.

Aside from Pajo and USPF, the other teams which have already confirmed their participation in the three-weekend contest include the University of San Carlos , University of San Jose-Recoletos , Abellana National School , Don Gerardo Ouano Memorial National High School , Mandaue City Comprehensive High School Cabancalan National High School, San Isdro Parish School, Colegio de la Inmaculada Conception (CIC)-Mandaue and St. Theresa’s College.

The overall winner will gain an outright berth to the 7th Shakey’s Girls V-League National Finals billed as “Tournament of Champions” set in the second week of May in Tacloban City.

Sanctioned by the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), the event is supported by Mikasa, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin Donuts and MetroSports. -  THE FREEMAN