Foreign Spikers hahataw sa SSL

MANILA, Philippines — Sasalang ang mga foreign spikers sa 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals na nakatakda sa susunod na linggo sa dalawang venue.

Sinabi ni Dr. Ian Laurel, pangulo ng nag-oorganisang Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), na parating na ang mga foreign teams mula sa United States, Guam, Australia at Vietnam na sasagupa sa mga local squads sa juniors at seniors divisions.

“We want to give our local players a good idea of foreign competition,” sabi ni Laurel kahapon sa Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum sa Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) media room sa loob ng Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Ang California-based Perfect Set Dream Makers at Guam-based Pacific Volleyball Academy ay maglalaro sa juniors’ division kung saan nila makakasukatan ang University of Santo Tomas, Pusong Azul, St. John’s University, Arellano University at One La Salle na binubuo ng mga varsity players mula sa De La Salle Zobel, Green Hills at Dasmarinas.

Sasabak sa collegiate category ang Vietnamese side Ho Chi Minh Volleyball Club at Australian squad Southern Storm Melbourne at makakaharap ang Enderun Colleges, UST, Letran College at College of Saint Benilde.

Papalo ang juniors’ division sa Hulyo 11 hanggang 18 sa Filoil EcoOil Centre sa San Juan City, habang ang collegiate division ay sa Hulyo 19 hanggang 26 sa Ninoy Aquino Stadium sa Manila.

Dumalo rin sa weekly session na inihandog ng San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO at 24/7sports app ArenaPlus sina ACES executives Ginio Panganiban at Allen Reyes kasama sina coaches Obet Javier ng Arellano University at Watta Macalanggan ng Ateneo de Manila University.

“Another motivation for these teams is that they know how popular volleyball is here,” ani Laurel. “They will also visit different university campuses because some of their players, particularly Filipino-Americans, are interested in pursuing college scholarships in the Philippines. College coaches will likely be scouting these players.”

Tinukoy ni Laurel ang Perfect Set Dream Makers at Pacific Volleyball Academy.

“Out of the California team’s roster, around 10 are Filipino-Americans while four are Americans. The Guam team is mostly composed of Guamanians or Filipino-Guamanians,” dagdag ni Laurel.