Aces face off in Shakey’s All-Star

MANILA, Philippines - Volley fans get a rare treat from the cream of the country’s crop as the Shakey’s V-League holds the first-ever All Star Game today, capping a busy All-Star Weekend powered by Smart at The Arena in San Juan.

Though no title is at stake, the 4 p.m. duel is still expected to generate interest and produce top-notch action since the league stars will not only be fighting for pride but will also be playing for a cause, this being a fund-raiser for victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

“Everybody is thrilled and upbeat over this All Star Game. Not only are these players willing and raring to help in the fund drive for their brothers and sisters in the Visayas but also give the fans a match to remember,” said Moying Martelino, chair of the organizing Sports Vision.

A meet-and-greet at 9 a.m. will kick off the day-long affair, sponsored by Shakey’s and Smart Communications, with the fans’ and players’ skills games set at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.

Tickets are pegged at P350 (ringside), P250 (lower box) and P100 (upper box) for the whole day affair and P300, P200 and P50, respectively, for the afternoon activities.

The big turnout in yesterday’s two-session, day-long camp, backed by Mikasa and Accel, points to a highly successful staging of the All Star Weekend put up to highlight the country’s premier women’s volley league’s celebration of its landmark 10th season.

The two finals matches this year proved to be blockbusters with National University defeating Ateneo in sudden death for the First Conference crown and Cagayan Valley posting an improbable 16-game sweep to annex the Open Conference diadem.

Dindin Santiago and Jovelyn Gonzaga, who split the MVP honors this season, headline the crack Team Smart that includes Maru Banaticla, Jamenea Ferrer, Jennelyn Reyes, Gretchel Soltones, Fille Cainglet, Pau Soriano, Alyssa Valdez and Charo Soriano with Roger Gorayeb as coach.

Six of the 10 players voted as the most popular in the league’s first 10 years, on the other hand, banner Team Shakey’s, including Suzanne Roces, Angeli Tabaquero, Mary Jean Balse, Michelle Carolino, Aiza Maizo and Rachel Ann Daquis with Angelique Dionela, Rubie de Leon, Maureen Penetrante-Ouano and Tina Salak completing the squad to be handled by coach Nestor Pamilar.

Spicing up the All Star Game is the participation of GMA talents, including Bettina Carlos, LJ Reyes, Lala Roque, Vonne Aquino, Raffy Tima and Dano Tingcungco.

Meanwhile, around 80 volley players aged nine to 17 years old took part in yesterday’s camp where the league stars shared their knowledge in setting, spiking, serving and digging with the participants.