National University, the reigning champion, will compete against top teams from the UAAP and NCAA in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Pre-season Championship. The tournament will begin on September 16 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Lady Bulldogs, who emerged victorious in the inaugural season, are leading the 16-team squad that features participants from both the UAAP and NCAA. This competition serves as a warm-up event for the upcoming collegiate volleyball season.
NU’s team, under the guidance of coach Norman Miguel, will be spearheaded by Season 1 MVP Alyssa Solomon and former UAAP Rookie-MVP Mhicaela Belen.
President Vic Gregorio of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. expressed his belief in the importance of hosting such tournaments. He stated that these events help shape the future of volleyball in the country by developing grassroots talents and providing a platform for them to shine.
“Shakey’s has been a part of collegiate volleyball since 2005, and we continuously strive for the betterment of the sport in the country,” Gregorio said during a press conference held at Shakey’s Parlor in Malate, Manila.
He added, “Our plan is to invite colleges from different provinces to join, to enhance their skills and simultaneously showcase their talents.”
NU will lead Pool A, along with San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Jose Rizal University, and the University of the East. Notably, the University of the East will be featuring super rookie Casiey Dongallo, who recently won the MVP award in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (GVIL) national high school tournament.
Adamson, the runner-up in the SSL National Invitationals, will be the main contender in Pool B, alongside Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and San Beda University. Pool C consists of reigning NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, University of Santo Tomas, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.
Completing the roster of teams are Ateneo, under new coach Sergio Veloso, Far Eastern University, Mapua, and Emilio Aguinaldo College in Pool D.
Two schools, La Salle and the University of the Philippines, will not be participating in this year’s tournament. However, in Season 1, all the schools from both the UAAP and NCAA were in attendance.
The Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship promises to be an exciting and competitive event, showcasing the talent and skills of the top collegiate volleyball teams in the country.
