Manila: Reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion Letran College takes on visiting Southern Storm Melbourne at the start of the international-flavored 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, after the 1 p.m. opening tiff, University of Santo Tomas will battle four-time National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities champion Enderun Colleges at 3 p.m. College of Saint Benilde is set to face Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club at 5 p.m., capping the busy opening day of the weeklong competition.
NCAA Season 101 Finals Most Valuable Player Judiel Nitura will assume the leadership role for Letran in the absence of injured veterans Gia Maquillang (knee) and Vanessa Sarie (right shoulder). The Lady Knights anticipate a tough challenge from the towering Australians. Letran coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki expressed interest in observing the performance of new players and the team's play against foreign teams.
University of Santo Tomas is aiming for an improved finish after securing the bronze in the 2023 edition. The Golden Tigresses did not reach the semifinals in 2024 and skipped the three-leg competition last year. Regina Jurado, Angge Poyos, Avril Bron, Marga Altea, and rookie Kim Rubin will lead the Tigresses against the Lady Titans.
Meanwhile, Benilde coach Jerry Yee is eager to test his team against Vietnam, hoping to compete and showcase their brand of volleyball against foreign teams. The Lady Blazers were runners-up in the Luzon leg of last year's National Invitationals.
