Although the QCU belles have gone through extensive practice and training for this event, still they have reasons to be wary about as they will open their title campaign against last year's third place Iloilo.
The Richard Montayre-coached QCU, composed of University of San Carlos players, are under bracket A together with Iloilo Rizal and Iligan, while defending champion and host Davao City, Zamboanga, South Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro form part of bracket B.
The top two teams in each bracket will advance into the crossover semifinals, with the winners setting up a knockout championship match.