Return of UST, DLSU perks up V-League

The return of former champions University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle is expected to perk up the action in the second conference of the Shakey’s V-League, which unfolds Oct. 19 at The Arena in San Juan.

League officials and competing teams welcomed the comeback of the Tigresses and Lady Archers into the eight-team fold, all of them stressing their presence will again raise the level of competition in the inter-collegiate women’s volleyball tournament in the country.

Until their leave of absence last conference, the Lady Archers and Tigresses dominated the first six editions of the meet now on its fifth season with three victories each.

UST won the inaugural tournament in 2004 before La Salle scored a grand slam by emerging champion for three straight conferences. The Tigresses then completed a sweep of the 2007 season prior to skipping the last conference along with the Lady Archers.

“But now they’re back and we know they prepared well. After rebuilding their depleted lineups, everybody expects them to come out very strong,” said Ricky Palou of the organizing Sports Vision during the formal launching of the V-League second conference at the weekly PSA Forum yesterday at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch.

“UST and La Salle’s return is good for the league,” said Shakey’s general manager Vic Gregorio, who said the showdown between La Salle and Ateneo is just as worth watching as the men’s basketball encounter.

Appearing with the two in the same public sports program sponsored by Shakey’s, Accel, Brickroad gym and Aspen spa and MedCentral Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center were Sports Vision official Moying Martelino, commissioner Tonyboy Liao, Shakey’s marketing manager Meggie Jose and Mikasa representative Baby Lorenzo.