Shakey’s GVL kicks off in C de Oro

MANILA, Philippines - The Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League unwraps its 12th season today with the Northern Mindanao qualifier at the Nazareth gym in Cagayan de Oro, one of the two legs set in Mindanao which boasts of a wide base of young talents.

The four-day tournament serves as the Northern Mindanao elims with the winner joining the other top finishers of the six other regional qualifiers in the Shakey’s Volleyball League of Champions slated in January next year.

“Teams from Bukidnon, Misamis Province, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte and host Cagayan de Oro are participating in the event and we are happy for the recognition given to the Northern Mindanao teams,” said Alex Adeva, coach of the Corpus Christi School in the host province.

Other teams competing in the event, organized by Metro Sports and backed by Mikasa, Asics and Millenia Suites, are Xavier University, St. Mary’s School, Misamis Occidental National High School, Misamis Occidental Comprehensive School, Bukidnon Faith Christian School, Iligan National High School, Carmen National High School, Dapitan National High School and Libertad National High School.

Metro Sports’ Johanz Buenvenida, also the SGVL tournament director, expects a fierce duel among the Northern Mindanao teams with all squads capable of competing against the best in the land.

The regional winners will dispute the overall championship in the League of Champions next year to be spiced up by the participation of foreign teams from New Zealand, Australia, the US and Bangladesh.

The Shakey’s GVL has produced current top players and rising stars in Alyssa Valdez, Abby Maraño, Ara Galang, Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo, sisters Dindin and Jaja Santiago, Jessey de Leon, Ennajie Laure, Mayet Zapanta, Amanda Villanueva and Bernadette Pons.

Meanwhile, the second leg is set July 22-25 for the Western Visayas leg with Central Philippine U out to defend its crown at the Iloilo Doctors College gym in Iloilo City while Davao Doctors College gym in Davao City will host the Southern Mindanao leg on Aug. 11-14.