A record-breaking 30 teams are gearing up for the 2024 edition of the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL), which kicks off on May 28 at the La Salle Greenhills gym.
Defending champion Adamson University headlines the 20-school roster in Division 1, while 10 new schools make up the newly introduced Division 2 in this year’s expanded tournament.
“In celebration of Shakey’s golden anniversary, we’re excited to introduce Division 2 to the SGVIL,” said Dr. Ian Laurel, president of Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), the organizing body of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL). “Since our launch, many schools have shown interest, but due to the tournament format in previous years, we could only accommodate a limited number of teams.”
Laurel added that the expansion is part of the league’s ongoing growth: “We started with 16 teams in our first year, increased to 18 last season, and now we have 20 in Division 1. The addition of Division 2 allows more schools the chance to develop and gain exposure. As an added incentive, the top two teams in Division 2 will be promoted to Division 1 next season.”
Adamson, which defeated Bacolod Tay Tung in last year’s finals, will lead Division 1 Pool A alongside Lyceum of the Philippines University, Naga College Foundation, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and University of Perpetual Help.
Pool B features Bacolod Tay Tung, Bethel Academy, De La Salle-Lipa, Chiang Kai Shek College, and Holy Rosary College. Pool C includes Kings’ Montessori High School, Arellano University, Corpus Christi School, 2022 champion California Academy, and De La Salle-Zobel A.
Rounding out Division 1 in Pool D are reigning UAAP champions National University-Nazareth School, Far Eastern University-Diliman, St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, University of the Philippines Integrated School, and University of Santo Tomas.
In Division 2, Pool E comprises La Salle Green Hills, Miriam College, De La Salle-Zobel B, Everest International Academy, and Assumption College-San Lorenzo. Pool F includes Assumption-Antipolo, St. Paul College-Pasig, St. Theresa’s College-QC, Domuschola International School, and Immaculate Conception Academy.
Division 1 preliminary games will follow a best-of-three sets format, with all sets—including the decider—played up to 25 points. The top two teams from each pool will move on to the knockout quarterfinals, followed by best-of-five semifinal and championship matches.
In Division 2, the top four teams from each group will advance to a single-elimination quarterfinal round, with semis and finals also in a winner-take-all format.
The SGVIL is supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R&B Milk Tea, Mikasa, Asics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Smart, and GCash.
Meanwhile, the SSL Volleyball Summer Camp continues at Trevi Executive Village in Marikina City until May 26 (8–10 a.m.). Another session will run at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, Laguna from May 26 to 30.