California squad battles La Salle, UST

Guest team Perfect Set of California debuts with back-to-back games Monday in a busy 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

First to test the mettle of the guest squad is One La Salle followed by the University of Santo Tomas.

Arellano University High School and Pusong Azul open hostilities in the tournament at 11 a.m.

But all eyes will be on the visiting stateside squad, composed mostly of Filipino-Americans.

“We’re looking forward to just getting the girls’ exposure in a new country, letting them play a different type of team, playing just a different level of volleyball,” Dream Makers assistant coach Mackenzie Dorney said.

“I think that having that experience will be super beneficial for them in the future, and even going to a new place or just playing different types of teams that play a different style of volleyball,” she added.

Perfect Set clashes against One La Salle, which is coming off a 21-25, 26-28, defeat at the hands of Bacolod-based St. John’s Institute, to set its campaign in motion.

The Dream Makers will then test their mettle against the reigning Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League Rising Stars Cup Division 1 champion Junior Tigresses, who are seeking a second straight win after dominating the Lady Braves last Saturday, in the nightcap.

Meanwhile, Arellano University shoots for back-to-back wins after taming Guam-based Pacific Volleyball Academy Inc., 25-14, 25-21, in its second game in the opener.

Pusong Azul will have two tries to bounce back from a disappointing three-set loss to PVA in its opening game with matches against the Lady Braves and St. John’s Institute.

One La Salle, after tackling Perfect Set, will march back into battle to square off against PVA in Day 2 of the weeklong competition.