Guam's Academy of Our Lady Stars in BVR Nuvali Open Beach Volleyball Tournament
The Academy of Our Lady of Guam girls team is set to make a significant impact at the Beach Volleyball Republic Nuvali Open, which kicks off on Saturday, March 28, at the Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa, Laguna. This event marks a historic moment as the U18 girls category debuts in the BVR circuit, drawing attention to the visiting squad from Hagatna, Guam.
Guam's U18 Contenders Face Local Powerhouses
The Cougars from Guam will field four pairs in the U18 girls division, led by standout duo Landen DeVera and Carmen Eugenia, who clinched the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Association of Guam tournament title last year. They are joined by runners-up Lea Aromin and Jaedyn Punongbayan, along with teams Maegan Camacho and Summer Pinaula, and Alexia Delfin and Christiana Pangelinan. These athletes will compete against local teams, including the reigning UAAP high school champion University of Santo Tomas, represented by Cheng Dadang and Eliza Israel, and Nic Delicana and Karyn Progella from the Junior Tiger Sands.
Expanded Field and Championship Stakes
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the BVR on Tour unveils its largest field yet, with 40 teams participating: 16 in women's, 16 in men's, and 8 in the U18 girls category. Champions from each division will earn direct qualification to the BVR Sipalay Open, scheduled for May 9-10 at Poblacion Beach in Sipalay City. This expansion highlights the growing popularity and competitive depth of beach volleyball in the region.
Honoring National Achievements and Star Participants
A special meet and greet session on Sunday will honor the Alas Pilipinas women's team, which secured the Philippines' first-ever beach volleyball gold medal at the Thailand Southeast Asian Games last year. Key participants in the women's open division include Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor from the gold-winning squad, alongside national pool members Alexa Polidario and Jenny Gaviola. The men's open side features top contenders like Ronniel Rosales and Ranran Abdilla, adding to the event's prestige.
Tournament Schedule and Competitive Format
Pool matches for all categories will run from 8 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Saturday across four courts, followed by final pool matches, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals on Sunday. This intensive schedule ensures a thrilling showcase of talent, with the U18 girls category culminating in its own semifinal and final rounds, promising exciting volleyball action for fans and participants alike.
