Twinbill kicks off V-League Sunday

MANILA, Philippines — First conference champion Ateneo and San Sebastian battle separate new rivals Sunday when Season 8 of the Shakey’s V-League Open conference blasts off at The Arena in San Juan.

Ateneo faces commercial team Maynilad at 4 p.m. before San Sebastian collides with the Air Force at the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser.

The Lady Eagles, who beat Adamson to claim their first-ever crown early this year, will parade with guest player Leal Patnongon and mainstays Gretchen Ho, Alyssa Valdez and Jem Ferrer.

Parley Tupaz, a former national beach volleyball player, will take over the reins from Charo Soriano as Ateneo’s coach when the squad hopes to extend its crown.

Maynilad, meanwhile, will have Joy Cases and Charise Ancheta at the frontline along with Margarita Pepito, Syvie Artates and Beverly Boto.

Roger Gorayeb, a veteran coach for San Sebastian, said the depth of the newcomers’ lineup cannot be taken lightly.

“Iba maglaro ang mga yan, malalim ang experience,” said Gorayeb, who hopes to bring his team to the next round.

Composed mostly of sophomore tossers, San Sebastian will start as underdog against Air Force, which has 2009 second conference Most Valuable Player Aiza Maizo, 2006 MVP Cherry Rose Macatangay and standout Jen Manzano.

The seven squads will play a single round elimination format with the top six advancing into the single-round quarterfinals.

The top four teams will play a crossover, best-of-three semis, with the semis winners set for the best-of-three title showdown and the losers in the best-of-three battle for third place.

Kristel Satumbaga, Manila Bulletin