Sandugo looms as team to beat

MANILA, Philippines - There’s a common consensus among the teams vying in the Shakey’s V League Open Conference which fires off this Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Coaches from four of the six competing teams yesterday pointed to Sandugo, a team bannered by two Thai imports, as the team to beat this time.

Also vying for the women’s volleyball crown are Ateneo, Cagayan, Far Eastern University, Philippine Navy and defending champion Army.

Army coach Digoy de Guzman said it will be difficult for them to keep the crown because of a depleted lineup of only seven players so close to the tournament.

“We’re still looking for players to complete our lineup,” he said.

“If you base it on talent and experience, Sandugo is the team to beat. But it will still depend if they will be able to perform,” said FEU assistant Shaq delos Santos.

Other coaches who graced the weekly forum were Sherwin Bariuan of Cagayan and Nene Ybanez of the Philippine Navy.

Even Ricky Palou, president of the organizing Sports Vision, told the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate that Sandugo may be the stronger one.

“The defending champion is the Philippine Army but if you look at the lineups it looks that Sandugo is a formidable team. We think they will be the team to beat,” said Palou.

“Sandugo has good locals and two Thai imports,” added the Ateneo sports official heading to the exciting volleyball tournament that will run until Sept. 28.

Sports Vision chairman Moying Martelino also bared their plans to put up a commercial volleyball tournament next year as long as they find the needed support.

“The plan itself is very exciting. And as partners with the V League, I would say there’s a high chance we’d be moving toward that direction,” said Shakey’s operations manager Caloy Robles.

Games will be played Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Format calls for a double-round elimination leading to the best-of-three crossover semis.

The finals of the tournament also sponsored by Accel and Mikasa wil be a best-of-three affair, according to Martelino.