Unbeaten heavyweights collide as National University-Nazareth School, California Academy, Bacolod Tay Tung High School and Naga College Foundation figure in the 2023 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League knockout Final Four Saturday at the San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila.
After ruling their respective groups and beating their quarterfinal counterparts, the remaining four teams cross paths in the semis that features three provincial squads against a lone city bet with the coveted finals seats at stake.
NU-NS and California Academy from Antipolo clash in the opener at 9 a.m. while Bacolod Tay Tung High School and Naga College Foundation collide at 12 noon.
The Lady Bullpups, the UAAP juniors champions, are bracing for an all-out war against the determined CA tossers in the 16-team GVIL backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri and R&B Tea with the City of Manila as government cooperation partner.
“Ito na ‘yun. Ito na ‘yung ineexpect namin na pahirap ng pahirap ang kalaban. Everytime na may makakalaban kami na nakalaban na namin before. We expect they have something new on their plate. Magiging handa kami,” said NU-NS coach Vilet Ponce-De Leon.
“We played NU multiple times already. This time around, I think we’re a little bit healthier. We respect the NU program so it’s gonna be a fun match. It should be a very good one,” said California Academy mentor Obet Vital in another encounter with NU-NS after their close wars in different high school tilts.
Out to steal the limelight are Bacolod and Naga as they try to make a statement in the event.
“Siguro, nagulat ‘yung iba na halos mga probinsya ‘yung nasa semis pero ganun talaga. Hindi naman na siguro nahuhuli ang probinsya. Kaya na rin makipagsabayan. Ito, versus Bacolod na malakas din, biibgyan namin sila ng good fight,” said Naga tactician Parley Tupaz.
