DEFENDING champion Adamson University braces for a grind-it-out campaign against a tough field in its repeat bid when the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) unwraps on May 28 at the La Salle Green Hills gym.

Behind power-hitting veteran Shaina Nitura, the Lady Baby Falcons completed a six-game sweep to reign supreme in the country’s premier grassroots volleyball tournament supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

However, Adamson head coach JP Yude knows that winning back-to-back crowns with a relatively young crew following the departure of last edition’s MVP Nitura to the collegiate ranks is easier said than done.

“It’s going to be a big test for us. The challenge for us is how to adjust in every situation and every game because we have new players, especially some of them are very young,” said Yude during the press launch of the league’s third season on Friday at Shakey’s Malate.

The Lady Baby Falcons, bannered by skipper Abegail Segui, Lhouriz Tuddao and UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Ellaine Gonzalvo, are in Pool A of the Division 1 contest featuring 20 schools from Metro Manila and other regions.

Adamson is joined by Lyceum of the Philippines University, Naga College Foundation, Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help.

Pool B is composed of last year’s runner-up Bacolod Tay Tung, Bethel Academy, De La Salle-Lipa, Chiang Kai Shek College and Holy Rosary College while in Pool C are Kings’ Montessori High School, Arellano University, Corpus Christi School, inaugural champion California Academy and De La Salle-Zobel A.

Reigning UAAP titlist National University Nazareth School, Far Eastern University-Diliman, St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, University of the Philippines Integrated School and University of Santo Tomas are in Pool D of the league backed by Mikasa, Asics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo and Smart.

This edition will have a Division 2 featuring 10 teams divided into two groups, as SGVIL attracted a record-setting 30 squads.

“This just signifies that through Shakey’s GVIL, we can raise awareness of the sport at the grassroots level. It has drawn interest not only from the kids but also from their parents and schools, which is why we’re expanding each year,” said Dr. Ian Laurel, president of organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES).

Laurel was joined by Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI) marketing manager Rej Asa and Shakey’s Super League (SSL) brand ambassador three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen.

The ACES official expressed gratitude to Shakey’s unwavering support for volleyball from the grassroots to the collegiate level through SSL.

“We are also grateful to Shakey’s for its all-out support in the sport of volleyball. Its impact, support and relevance in local volleyball helped develop the sport in the country, producing talents that have found success here and abroad,” Laurel said of the country’s leading pizza chain, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Meanwhile, the Shakey’s Super League Volleyball Summer Camp has opened at the Trevi Executive Village in Marikina running from May 20, 21, 22, 23 and 26 from 8 to 10 a.m. Another camp will be staged at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan City, Laguna from May 26 to 30.

SGVIL games are available live and on-demand via Puso Pilipinas and Solar Sports.