V-League sees another banner season

MANILA, Philippines - With a level playing field, top-notch action and fans support, the upcoming Shakey’s V-League second conference promises to be another blockbuster when it is held beginning July 11 at The Arena in San Juan City.

Eight teams will slug it out for the league’s season-ending crown with no one holding a distinct advantage over the rest of the field although each squad has toughened up during the break, ensuring another battle royale for the coveted plum.

Meanwhile, the organizing Sports Vision, inspired by the fans’ tremendous response in the recent first conference, has come up with a new promo this conference, allowing each lower box ticket holder to bring along a friend for free.

“This is our way of giving back something to the fans for their continued support of the league,” said Sports Vision chair Moying Martelino. “The fans’ response has been tremendous the last few conferences and we’d like to keep it that way by way of giving them quality, action-packed games.

Martelino, however, pointed out that the promo will be only for lower box tickets which cost P100. The ringside tickets (reserved seats) are pegged at P150 while the general admission is P20.

Although six-time champion UST will not be around to defend its crown, the title chase is expected to be a tossup among Ateneo, San Sebastian, Far Eastern U, Adamson U, Lyceum, St. Benilde and newcomers National U and University of Perpetual Help Dalta System.

In fact, the Tigresses’ absence will give parity to the league, presented by PLDT MyDSL and sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza, after the España-based squad swept the last three conferences.

The Lady Eagles, for one, are itching to get going and resume their hunt for a breakthrough victory in the league with a solid roster and the Lady Stags out to atone for their failed bid the last time out.

The rest, including NU and Perpetual, are also going all out to spoil the favorites’ bid for the title, making the battle an anybody’s race and ensuring another banner crowd and season for the league.