Belen, Panique isasalang ng National University sa SSL National Invitationals

MANILA, Philippines — Inaasahang magdodomina ang UAAP reigning champions National University sa 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals na hahataw ngayon sa Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Ito ay dahil sa hindi pag­lalaro ng De La Salle University na nagkampeon noong nakaraang taon.

Lalabanan ng Lady Bulldogs ang Enderun ngayong alas-12 ng tanghali sa Pool A matapos ang laro ng Letran at University of San Carlos sa alas-9 ng umaga sa Pool D.

Ipaparada ng NU, pinagreynahan ang SSL centerpiece tournament Collegiate Preseason Championship sa dala­wang sunod na taon, sina Alas Pilipinas mainstays Bella Belen at Arah Panique.

Sa alas-2 ng hapon magtutuos ang University of Santo Tomas at University of Batangas sa Pool B kasunod ang laro ng Pool C squads University of Southern Philippines Foundation at Far Eastern University sa alas-4 ng hapon.

Sasalang din sa torneong itinataguyod ng Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner at Mikasa ang Xavier University-Northern Minda­nao Selection sa Pool A, Team SOCCSKSARGEN (Southern Mindanao Selection) sa Pool B, NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde sa Pool D at NCAA third placer Lyceum of the Philippines University sa Pool C.

Sasabak ang 12 teams sa isang single round-robin group stage kung saan ang top two teams sa bawat grupo ang aabante sa crossover knockout quarterfinals.

“I’m glad to be back and it’s my honor and privilege to be here seated with the stakeholders of the Philippine volleyball and SSL. I’d like to thank all of you and let’s look forward to this genuinely exciting and competitive league,” ani ACES chairman Dr. Philip Ella Juico.

Ang semifinals ay isang do-or-die game habang ang finals ay best-of-three series.

“We always believe that we can play a part in developing women’s volleyball so we always look forward to the SSL. It provides opportunities for all players to compete with the more popular universities,” dagdag ni SPAVI CEO Vic Gregorio.