Manila: The 4th edition of the Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup is set to commence on April 20 at the La Salle Green Hills gym, featuring a record 44 teams. This year's tournament sees defending champion National University-Nazareth School leading 20 teams in Division 1, while reigning titlist Domuschola International School headlines the 24-team Division 2 roster, which includes the guest team Diverse Auckland Cubs.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Ian Laurel, president of Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES), announced at a press conference held at the Shakey's Paseo de Magallanes that the league's expansion to two divisions last year has significantly increased interest among high schools. "Since the establishment of the second division last year, more schools have approached us and expressed interest in joining the league. In fact, the teams have grown in number, record numbers," Laurel stated.
Division 1 teams are divided into four pools of five squads each, whereas Division 2 consists of six squads in four pools. Key participants include NUNS, which will compete in Pool A alongside King's Montessori, California Academy, Lyceum of the Philippines Academy, and Bethel Academy. Other notable teams, such as Bacolod Tay Tung and De La Salle-Lipa, are positioned in Pools B and C, respectively.
The preliminary rounds will follow a best-of-three sets format, with each set played to 25 points. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout quarterfinals, and the semifinals and finals will be one-game matches played in best-of-five sets.
As an added incentive, the champions and runners-up from both divisions will receive invitations to the SGVIL Invitationals in July, where they will compete against U.S. high school teams and a Japanese squad. "We are planning a special edition of the SGVIL Invitationals this coming July," said Laurel, highlighting the opportunity for local teams to gain international exposure.
SGVIL games will be broadcast live and available on-demand via PusoP.com livestream and Solar Sports.
