i TV Pinoy

Source: Manila Bulletin

-- The Shakey’s V-League unwraps its ninth season on April 24 with one of the most power-packed cast in years, guaranteeing a slam-bang battle for women’s volleyball supremacy at The Arena in San Juan City.

With the league’s winningest team – University of Santo Tomas – back in the mix after a two-year hiatus, the title race is expected to be fierce as the nine other teams have the skill and talent to go all the way.

Ateneo goes all out to defend its crown, former champions Adamson and San Sebastian are raring to get another title crack, Far Eastern University, Letran, University of Perpetual Help and National University are all primed up for the big one and Visayan squads Southwestern U and University of St. La Salle-Bacolod are out to make an impression.

“This is going to be a wide-open race. All teams have got what it takes to win,” said Ricky Palou, president of the organizing Sports Vision.

“The return of UST makes its doubly interesting,” he added.

Truly, focus will be on UST, which dominated the Shakey’s Pizza-sponsored league with six victories, including three straight from 2009-10 until it took a leave of absence following the graduation of its star players.

To underscore its desire to put up a highly competitive team, UST has tapped the services of former MVP Mary Jean Balse and Thai ace Patcharee Sangmuang, who hope to combine well with mainstays Katrina Carangan, Jamie Morado, Maruja Banaticla, Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz and skipper Rhea Dimaculangan.

But Ateneo, which beat Adamson to score a breakthrough in the first conference of the league last year, remains as solid as ever with resident Thai guest player Lithawat Kesinee backstopping a squad headed by power-hitter Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Jessica Bagatsing, Jamenea Ferrer and Fille Cainglet.