By MARK REY MONTEJO
Young talents take the spotlight as the second season of the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League kicks off Wednesday, May 29, at the Adamson University Gym.
Reigning champion California Academy, which produced UAAP’s rising star and UE’s top spiker Casiey Dongallo, remains the team to beat as it opens its title retention bid against 17 other schools which are divided into four pools.
The Obet Vidal-mentored squad will spearhead Pool A alongside De La Salle-Lipa, Bethel Academy of Gen Trias, Cavite, Chiang Kai Shek HS, and Lyceum of the Philippines University. Pool B includes last year’s bridesmaid finisher Naga College Foundation, along with FEU-Diliman, EAC-Manila, Arellano University HS, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel.
“Lahat ng team dito have a lot of exposures po and they’re the best of the best. It’s very competitive, it’s gonna be a tough battle for us,” said Vidal.
The Antipolo-based school reigned supreme in inaugural edition with a pulsating 25-18, 18-25, 25-14, 25-19 victory over Naga College Foundation — the proud alma mater of NU’s Arah Panique.
In Pool C, 2023 Palarong Pambansa champion Bacolod Tay Tung High School will be tested against University of Santo Tomas, Kings Montessori School and Perpetual HS. Pool D, meanwhile, NU-Nazareth School, Adamson University, Holy Rosary College and UP Integrated School.
Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI) President Vic Gregorio and ACES President Dr. Ian Laurel vowed to stay true to their mission of giving platform for aspiring players to shine and hone their skills further.
“It’s a form of giving back to the community, and especially ilang taon na natin ginagawa ‘to. And we’re continuing our involvement in women’s volleyball which is something very close to our hearts [especially today],” said Gregorio.
“With volleyball continuing to rise into greater heights, the Shakey’s GVIL will continue to support volleyball as long as the sun shines,” he added.
