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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup will kick off on November 6 with 37 teams in a nearly three-week volleyball tournament.
The number of teams – with 20 teams in the men’s category and 17 in the women’s division – is a testament to the continued rise of volleyball in the country, said PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
“This shows how active volleyball is at the developmental, LGU and school levels. Volleyball could now become the second team sport in the country after basketball,” Suzara said in a press release.
“With such a large turnout, we will play dozens of matches for almost three weeks.”
The Challenge Cup will feature more than 76 matches in the elimination round alone. In the men’s division, 48 matches will be played, while 36 matches will be played Matches will be played in the women’s category.
The elimination round begins Monday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, while the quarterfinals are scheduled for November 20 for men and November 21 for women. The semi-finals start on November 22 and the finals will be played on November 23.
It was confirmed that Plaridel (Quezon), Orion (Bataan), University of Batangas, University of Santo Tomas, Rizal Technological University (RTU)-Basilan and Savouge will play in the men’s division.
Arellano University, Davao City, Iloilo D’Navigators, VNS, Volida, Philippine Navy and Tacloban City. Arellano University, Davao City, Iloilo D’Navigators, VNS, Volida, Philippine Navy and Tacloban City round out the men’s game.
On the women’s side, the Philippine Air Force and Tagaytay City will compete in the women’s singles tournament.
UP Volleyball Club, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Lyceum of the Philippine University-Batangas and Colegio De St. John of Letran.