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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Local bets brace for tough foreign challenge in 2026 SSL National Invitationals

Local bets brace for tough foreign challenge in 2026 SSL National Invitationals

Published Jul 17, 2026 03:10 pm

At A Glance

  • Four local collegiate teams are up for a tough challenge as two foreign clubs spice up the competition in the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals which fires off Sunday, July 19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
(SSL)
(SSL)
Four local collegiate teams are up for a tough challenge as two foreign clubs spice up the competition in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals which fires off Sunday, July 19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Composed of six squads which feature teams from Australia and Vietnam, this year’s Invitationals rekindle some of the brewing rivalries in the collegiate ranks as reigning NCAA champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran and College of St. Benilde joined the field.
Letran’s test, however, comes against Southern Storm Melbourne at 1 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. showdown between University of Santo Tomas and NAASCU titlist Enderun Colleges. CSB and Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball close out the triple-header at 5 p.m.
For most of the local coaches, exposure and experience come as top priority in the tournament.
“We’re expecting this is going to be a tough challenge,” said CSB head coach Jerry Yee. [Tyaka] sana mapakita talaga ‘yong brand ng volleyball natin against sa mga guest teams.”
““Ang biggest goal namin is to become a better team every game. We want to maximize this opportunity against strong lo and international teams, kasi may mga makakalaban tayong teams from Australia and Vietnam,” said Letran assistant coach Mayeth Carolino.
Season 101 champion Lady Knights still bank on Judiel Nitura, whose sister Shai serves as an SSL ambassador, to lead the Intramuros-based squad.

Related Tags

SSL Enderun UST Letran Lady Knights CSB Lady Blazers
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