NUNS Launches Title Defense with Convincing Victory in SGVIL Rising Stars Cup
National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) began its campaign to retain the championship in impressive fashion, defeating King's Montessori School with scores of 25-16 and 25-14 in the Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1. The match took place on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the La Salle Green Hills Gym, lasting only 46 minutes as the Lady Bullpups showcased their dominance early in the tournament.
Star Performances Lead NUNS to Quick Win
Alas Pilipinas Girls standout Xyz Rayco was instrumental in the victory, contributing 10 points through six aces and four powerful attacks. She received strong support from teammates Jaila Adrao with nine points, Jhaynna Bulandres with eight points, and Raine Alonzo adding seven points. On the opposing side, Kriska Gendap led King's Montessori with six points, while Sharina Lleses managed five points in a challenging match.
Division 2 Action Sees Mixed Results
In Division 2's Pool H, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) faced a tough loss against University of Batangas, falling 12-25 and 19-25. Meanwhile, in Pool D, University of Santo Tomas emerged victorious over De La Salle-Zobel in a closely contested match, winning 24-26, 25-20, and 25-19. Nicole Pelaez starred for the Junior Tigresses with 10 points, supported by Ryzel Laag and Eliz Mechavez, who each scored eight points. For the Junior Lady Spikers, Jeleanne Laborte tallied 10 points, with Alyanna Valdez and Kylie Celada contributing eight points apiece.
Additional Wins Across Both Divisions
Other notable results in Division 1 included Immaculada Concepcion College overcoming Canossa Academy 25-12 and 26-24 in Pool B, and St. John's Institute defeating De La Salle-Lipa 26-24 and 25-13 in Pool C. In Division 2, reigning champion Domuschola International School delivered a commanding performance, demolishing The Beacon Academy 25-8 and 25-8. San Beda University also secured a win in Pool E, outplaying MGC-New Life Christian Academy 25-23 and 25-19.
Further victories in Division 2 saw UST-B sweep La Salle Green Hills 25-23 and 25-13 in Pool F, while Poveda dominated last year's Division 2 runner-up Everest International School 25-21 and 25-16. In Pool G, Assumption Antipolo defeated Pace Academy 25-18 and 25-15, and NUNS B overwhelmed CCF-The Life Academy 25-7 and 25-9. The other Pool H match concluded with De La Salle Zobel-B winning over St. Paul College-Pasig 25-16 and 25-19.
