Wide-open Shakey’s V-League race seen

THREE teams hope to challenge early favorites Sandugo and Philippine Army when the Shakey’s V-League Open volleyball tournament kicks off tomorrow at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Philippine Navy, which settled for fourth last year, aims to improve on its finish with veterans Micmic Laborte, Janet Serafica, Joan Carpio, Marilou Galido and Daphne Mata suiting up anew.

Far Eastern University—the only other varsity team in the six-team field along with Ateneo—also expects to challenge the “heavies” together with Cagayan province.

“If you base it on talent and experience, Sandugo is the team to beat, but it will still depend on their performance,” said Shaq delos Santos, who is assisting FEU coach Nes Pamilar.

The new conference gets going at 2 p.m.  with Army, the defending champion powered by league star by Rachel Anne Daquis and sisters Michelle and Mayette Carolino, clashing with Navy.

FEU opens its bid at 4 p.m. against Cagayan, which aims to debut strong with April Sartin, Royse Rubino, Joy Cases, Jen Manzano and Sandra delos Santos.

Ateneo and Sandugo collide at 6 p.m.

Sandugo assembled a virtually all-star cast with Thai Jeng Bualee and Utaiwan Kaensing and former MVPs Suzanne Roces and Nerissa Bautista leading its charge.

Games will be aired on AKTV.