A FOUR-GAME bill will kick off the 2024 Shakey’s National Invitational League running from July 10 to July 17 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s finalists National University and University of Santo Tomas hope to gain a headstart when they battle separate rivals in their opening games.
The NU Lady Bulldogs, the reigning UAAP titlists, will banner a nearly intact roster in their first game against the Enderun College Lady Titans at 2 p.m.
Earlier, the UST Tigresses, who are seeking the crown in the absence of the La Salle Lady Spikers, tackle University of Batangas at 2p.m.
The Lady Bulldogs will be without Alyssa Solomon, the only team member not seeing action due to an ankle injury, according to assistant coach Alvin Dumalaog.
The Tigresses will have a fitting replacement for Pierre Abellana, after she got drafted on Monday by the Farm Fresh Foxies during the first ever Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft.
The increase in participants has thrilled ACES chairman Philip Ella Juico, one of the organizers of the tournament.
“The number of participants has gone, from 12 to 16, and we even had to turn down some of them,” said Juico during Tuesday’s presser at the Shakey’s Malate in Remedio St., Manila.
Earlier, Letran will meet University of San Carlos at 9 a.m., while University of Southern Philippines clashes with Far Eastern University at 4 p.m.
“We have adopted the sport that we will support and focus, and that is volleyball. We hope to inspire other companies and influence them to help other sports,” said Vicente Gregorio, President and CEO of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc.
All games will be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Watch the games live on the Smart LiveStream App, free and open to all networks. Games are also live on Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas.
