Army to defend Shakey’s V-League championship with all-Filipino crew

Philippine Army is out to duplicate its recent title conquest when the third conference of the Shakey’s V-League unfurls on Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Starring Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis, the defending champions face stiff competition against Cagayan, Meralco and PLDT, teams ready to boost their campaign with foreign players in the lineup.

Aside from the women’s tilt, the league will feature a separate men’s tournament with the same number of teams and a similar format.

“The popularity of men’s volleyball will increase that’s why we’re pushing for it,” said Ricky Palou of organizer Sports Vision during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Sports Vision chair Moying Martelino said this is the first time the league has come up with a men’s division and a third conference on their 11th year.

Instituto Estetico Manila and Systema have already confirmed their participation in the men’s side. The league is waiting for the commitment of teams from the Air Force, Cignal and Perpetual Help.