Shakey’s Invitational slot for V-League Open champ

MANILA, Philippines—A slot in the Shakey’s Invitational will also go to the champion of  the Shakey’s V-League Open volleyball tournament that gets going this Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

“We have plans to stage an Invitational tournament some time in November and the Open champion will represent the Philippines in the event,” said Moying Martelino, chair of tournament organizer Sports Vision.

Philippine Army—returning with its champion core of Rachel Anne Daquis and sisters Michelle and Mayette Carolino—opens its back-to-back bid title bid versus Philippine Navy at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Sandugo Sandals, the debuting squad favored for its powerhouse roster, gets its first test against Ateneo in the 6 p.m. nightcap of a three-game bill.

Thai imports Jeng Bualee and Utaiwan Kaensing, both league veterans, banner the Sandugo squad that also tapped former MVPs Suzanne Roces and Nerissa Bautista.

Sandugo also got champion coach Roger Gorayeb on board as well as the solid crew of Joy Benito, Angela Benting, Jill Gustilo and Rubie de Leon.

Mentor Parley Tupaz takes over from Gorayeb in Ateneo with former team star Charo Soriano as assistant.

Alyssa Valdez and Fille Cainglet head the Lady Eagles’ campaign along with Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer and Dennise Lazaro. Jasmine W. Payo