The Beach Volleyball Republic Nuvali Open opens today, March 28, at the Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa, Laguna, marking a major expansion of the tournament with the introduction of the U18 girls division. The event brings together international, collegiate, and youth teams in one of the deepest fields in the competition’s history.

A delegation from Guam headlines the new youth category, with the Academy of Our Lady of Guam fielding four pairs in the U18 girls division. The squad immediately faces strong local competition led by reigning UAAP high school champion University of Santo Tomas.

The Guam lineup is led by Landen DeVera and Carmen Eugenia, champions of the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Association of Guam. They are joined by Lea Aromin and Jaedyn Punongbayan, along with two additional pairings completing the school’s four-team entry.

On the local side, UST’s Cheng Dadang and Eliza Israel lead the Junior Tiger Sands, supported by Nic Delicana and Karyn Progella. Ateneo’s Jelena Dait and Ainsly Santiago and Unity’s Navarro and Lucena round out a competitive U18 field.

U18 division debut expands competitive structure of BVR tour

The addition of the U18 girls division raises the total field to 40 teams across three categories: 16 women’s pairs, 16 men’s pairs, and eight U18 girls teams. This marks the first time the youth division is included in the BVR on Tour, strengthening its development pathway for young athletes.

Winners from each division will earn direct qualification to the BVR Sipalay Open scheduled in May, increasing the stakes across all matches in Nuvali.

The tournament will also honor the Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team following their historic Southeast Asian Games gold medal, with a special meet-and-greet session set on Sunday.

Stacked open divisions feature Alas stars and top university squads

The women’s open division features Alas Pilipinas standouts Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor, joined by national pool members Alexa Polidario, Jenny Gaviola, Sofiah Pagara, and Khy Orillaneda.

They will be challenged by top university programs including University of Santo Tomas, National University, Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo, and San Beda, all fielding multiple pairs.

In the men’s open division, Alas Pilipinas pairs Ronniel Rosales and Ranran Abdilla, Edwin Tolentino and Lerry Francisco, and Aidam Adam and Alihfaisal Gampong lead a strong national contingent. They will be tested by collegiate and club teams from across the country.

Pool matches run from Saturday morning to evening across four courts, followed by final pool play and knockout rounds on Sunday including quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals in select divisions. Admission is free for spectators.