TWELVE teams will vie in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals that begin today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with reigning UAAP champion National University and NCAA three-time titlists College of Saint Benilde headlining the cast.
The 12 squads are divided into four groups that will play a round-robin preliminaries, with the top two squads from each group advancing to the knockout quarterfinals.
Pool A is led by UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen-led NU, Enderun College, and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan while University of Santo Tomas, University of Batangas, Team SOCCKSARGEN are in Pool B.
Pool C is made up of Far Eastern University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and CESAFI champion University of Southern Philippines Foundation while Pool D is composed of St. Benilde, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and University of San Carlos.
USC and Letran will clash in the curtain-raiser at 9 a.m., followed by the opening ceremonies at 11 o’clock.
At 12, NU battles Enderun, UST takes on UB at 2 p.m. while FEU battles USPF at 4 o’clock.
National Invitationals champion De La Salle University opted not to participate while Adamson University begged off to rest its injury-marred lineup.
Gracing the press conference that launched the one-week event were ACES Chairman Dr. Philip Juico, SPAVI President & CEO Vic Gregorio, SPAVI COO Jorge Concepcion, Smart Sports Manager Bajjie Del Rosario and 12 Beyond Media Co. CEO Patricia Hizon.
“The last time I was here was a year ago. I had a little health issue and now I’m back,” Juico said.
