High school volleyball teams play each other during the opening round of matches of the 2011 Western University Volleyball Cup. Photo by: Chhorn Norn

The 2011 Western University Volleyball Cup for high school students began its group stage on Saturday at Baktouk High School. A total of 25 teams split into four groups and featuring around 280 players will compete for honours in the 13-week long tournament, which will enter knockout rounds on May 27 building up to the grand final on June 11.

Lucrative cash prizes and 50 percent discounted scholarships at Western University are on offer for the top four finishers, while all participating sides receive 150,000 riels (US$37.30) and 30 percent off scholarships.

Cup champions will walk away with four million riels, runners-up will collect three million riels, two million riels for third and one million riel goes to fourth.

“All teams get a set of volleyball equipment too,” said Um Vanny, deputy chief of Phnom Penh’s Education, Youth and Sports department.

Holders Russey Keo High School are back to defend their title this year, as are losing finalists Champou Vann and third placed Chbar Ampov. However, last year’s fourth best team, Wat Koh, are absent.