MANILA, Philippines – For the fifth straight conference, three-time champion De La Salle University will skip the Shakey’s V-League, which opens its Season 8 on April 3 at The Arena in San Juan City. Tournament director Ricky Palou Wednesday said they have extended the invitation to the Lady Archers, but it was declined again without providing any reason.
“We invited them through Bro. Bernie (Oca, La Salle’s representative to the UAAP Board), but they declined through a letter in an e-mail,” Palaou, also the Ateneo’s athletic director, said.
Fans have been clamoring for La Salle’s return owing to their impressive record which include a “three-peat” run from 2005.
The second most successful team in the country’s premiere volleyball league with three titles, the Lady Archers have not seen action since 2008 second conference or when they finished third behind University of Santo Tomas and San Sebastian College.
They are currently leading the UAAP volleyball tournament with an 11-1 record, and appeared headed on reclaiming the crown that was toppled off their heads by the Tigresses last year.
Palou said 10 teams will comprise the season-opening V-League conference, which will be spiced up by the return of two provincial teams – University of St. La Salle-Bacolod and Southwestern University in Cebu.
The Tigresses, who skipped the previous conference after winning three straight titles from Season 6 first conference, promised to return this conference.
The other teams that have confirmed their participation are Adamson University, the Season 7 second conference champion, Far Eastern University, Ateneo, National University, University of Perpetual Help and Lyceum.
Francis Santiago, Manila Bulletin
