U-18 volleyball tilt for boys, girls up at Rizal venue

SIXTEEN senior high schools and club teams have so far confirmed their participation in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-18 Championships for Boys and Girls that kick off February 17 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the federation expects the number of participants to increase this week after several schools and clubs sent letters of intent to join the tournament that is being revived after decades of hibernation.

“This Under-18 Championships aims to keep the pool of young players active,” Suzara said. “This tournament serves as a feeder for future national teams.”

Five teams—california Precision Sports-antipolo City, Parañaque Thunderbolts Volleyball Club, Santa Rosa City, Angeles City and Sto. Nino de Praga Academy (Trece Martires, Cavite)—are fielding squads in both the boys and girls divisions.

Also joining the PNVF’S seasonopening national tournament are Philippine Christian University (Manila), Queen Ann School (Santa Rosa), Justice CM Palma High School (Quezon City), Hermosa Volleyball Club (Bataan), Municipality of Nagcarlan (Laguna) and Mayamot National High School (Antipolo City) in the boys division.

Competing in the girls’ side are Ateneo de Manila University, Grace Christian College Foundation (Taguig City), New Gen-municipality of Sta. Cruz (Laguna), Mayamot National High School (Antipolo City), Uvl-science City of Muñoz and Parañaque Berets.

Competition director Oliver Mora said the matches will be played on weekends with the finals for both genders set on March 12. Yul Benosa is the event director.