THREE Mindanao high school volleyball teams have secured their spots in the Rebisco Volleyball League (RVL) National Finals, to be held in Mandaluyong from November 22 to 25.
Sto. Niño National High School, Corpus Christi School, and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University emerged as champions in their respective regional tournaments, joining the nationwide competition that attracted 480 schools across 10 regions.
Corpus Christi School of Cagayan de Oro triumphed over Bukidnon National High School, 25-21, 25-14, to clinch the Northern Mindanao title.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University from General Santos City defeated St. Alexius College, 25-18, 26-28, 25-23, for the Central Mindanao championship.
Sto. Niño National High School, a team composed of indigenous players from the Ata Manobo tribe in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, captured the Southern Mindanao title.
Dubbed the ‘Lady Wakanda,’ the public school team claimed victory after a hard-fought 25-19, 22-25, 27-25 win against Ateneo de Davao in the regional final.
Coach Eric Fernandez highlighted the team’s resilience, comparing their fighting spirit to that of the fictional Wakanda warriors.
Despite a height disadvantage, with their tallest player standing at 5’5”, the Lady Wakanda relied on their athleticism and teamwork to overcome their opponents.
“They may be small, but their vertical jump and cohesiveness as a team make them a force to be reckoned with,” said RVL tournament director Johanz Buenvenida, who witnessed the intense regional final.
The Lady Wakanda, who finished seventh in last year’s tournament, are now focused on improving their performance in the National Finals, holding twice-a-day practices on weekends.
Seven more teams will join the three Mindanao champions in the National Finals, including three Visayas champions and four teams from Luzon still vying for a spot.
The RVL, now in its sixth year, is seen as a key platform for developing grassroots volleyball talent. Sto. Niño’s success has already led to college recruitment opportunities, with last year’s standout Cara Dayanan set to play for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA.
The team’s current stars, including Angel Pasaol and Jemiemah Lintuan, both with Ata Manobo heritage, are also aspiring to play at the collegiate level.
RVL commissioner Ysay Marasigan emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting volleyball in the provinces, comparing it to the Palarong Pambansa as a major grassroots competition in the Philippines.
