Zen Warriors Seniors Go Unbeaten as Shark Cup Opens with U13 Marathon

The San Pedro Volleyball Association opened its 2026 Shark Cup Tournament with an Under-13 volleyball marathon at the Angel Núñez Auditorium on Sunday, September 27th. Four teams competed: Zen Warriors Juniors, Zen Warriors Seniors, SPHS Baby Sharks 1 and SPHS Baby Sharks 2.
This year’s Shark Cup uses a different format from previous editions. The association plans to host marathons for different age categories throughout the season, with the leading teams advancing to the semifinals and finals in December. The opening event gave players aged 13 and younger several matches in one day.
The Under-13 games were played four-a-side, with each team required to have two boys and two girls on the court. Teams could substitute players when needed. Matches followed a best-of-three format: the first two sets were played to 21 points, and a deciding third set, when required, was played to 15.
Zen Warriors Seniors began with a 21-10, 21-10 victory over Zen Warriors Juniors. SPHS Baby Sharks 2 then defeated Baby Sharks 1 in two close sets, both ending 21-18. Baby Sharks 1 recovered to beat Zen Warriors Juniors 21-10, 21-18, while Baby Sharks 2 earned a 21-4, 21-12 win over the Juniors.
Zen Warriors Seniors continued their strong showing with a 21-7, 21-19 victory over Baby Sharks 2. Their final match against Baby Sharks 1 was the only contest of the day to require a deciding set. Baby Sharks 1 took the opener 21-14, but the Seniors rallied to win the next two sets 21-19 and 15-10. Zen Warriors Seniors finished the marathon unbeaten in their three matches.
The revised tournament structure gives young athletes more opportunities to compete and gain experience against different opponents. Registration for the opening marathon was free, and supporters were encouraged to attend and cheer on the players.
The next Shark Cup marathon is scheduled for October 18 and will feature Under-15 male and female categories. Additional age categories are expected to compete as the tournament progresses toward its December semifinals and finals.