San Beda-Rizal, Bagong Ilog Volleyball Club (BIVC), and Kaito Volleyball Academy emerged as the top teams in their respective groups to headline the six squads moving on to the next phase of the inaugural Echelon Under-16 Club Invitational.
Also securing berths in the second round were Parañaque Volleyball Team (PVT), Capital1, and PLDT after the conclusion of the preliminary stage at the SM Southmall Events Hall in Las Piñas City.
The six advancing teams will battle in a single round-robin format, with the top four finishers earning spots in the semifinals of the grassroots volleyball competition.
San Beda-Rizal swept Pool A, winning all four of its matches in dominant fashion. The Baby Red Spikers registered victories over Parañaque Volleyball Team and HDE, including a pair of matches that were shortened through the mercy rule after establishing commanding leads.
Head coach Ray Rosales credited his players for quickly coming together despite the team’s limited preparation.
“It’s our first league na sinalihan no, it’s a very new team so I’m very happy that the girls showed up, performed well, and showed discipline. It’s a very well-organized league. I hope this is the first of many leagues na ibibigay sa grassroots,” said Rosales.
Rosales revealed that the San Beda squad was assembled only three weeks before the tournament.
Parañaque Volleyball Team also advanced after collecting two victories against HDE during pool play.
In Pool B, Bagong Ilog Volleyball Club completed an unbeaten campaign to claim the group’s top spot. BIVC defeated Capital1 twice in tightly contested matches and also earned a convincing win over Upskill Antipolo.
The Lady Phoenix showcased their resilience in one of their victories over Capital1, erasing a six-point deficit before sealing the win behind key plays from Reneez Cornes.
Although Capital1 finished with the same 1-3 record as Upskill Antipolo, it secured the final qualifying berth from the group through a superior point differential.
Kaito Volleyball Academy topped Pool C with a 3-1 record. The squad earned victories over Spike & Serve Volleyball Academy and PLDT to finish ahead of the field.
PLDT settled for second place in the group with a 2-2 mark. The Junior High Speed Hitters managed to avenge an earlier defeat to Kaito in their rematch, helping secure advancement to the next stage.
Spike & Serve Volleyball Academy closed its campaign with a lone victory, defeating PLDT during the elimination round. (AC)
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