USJ-R faces tall Australian squad as Shakey’s tilt starts

ALL EYES WILL be on the two visiting squads from New Zealand and Australia as they strut their stuff against the best girls high school volleyball teams in the country when the 11th Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Tournament of Champions unveils today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Cebu’s very own University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) aim to make a name for themselves when they square off against the foreigners at 5 p.m. De La Salle-Lipa will be duking it out against the Kiwis at 4 p.m.

The reigning champions, back-to-back rulers Hope Christian School, kick off their bid for a third straight crown with two matches, first against Baguio City National High School at 1 p.m. and then against Angeles University Foundation in the nightcap at 6 p.m. Mindanao rulers Ateneo de Davao battle Leyte National High at 2 p.m.

The 10 teams have been divided into two groups with the top two squads from each side after the single round eliminations advancing to the Final Four of the championship.

Owing to their roster’s height and experience, the Aussies and the Kiwis are fancied to nail the first two semis berths with the remaining two slots a tossup among the eight local squads where the Hope Christian School spikers are expected to contend.

Victoria heads Pool A that includes Hope CS, USJ-R, Angeles University Foundation and Baguio NHS while New Zealand banners Pool A along with Central Philippine U, Ateneo de Davao, Leyte NHS and La Salle-Lipa. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio