IT will be a difficult selection process for the members of the national women’s volleyball team.
A team composed mostly of superstars and spikers who have won recognition and accolades will soon make up the squad that will see action in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.
National women’s coach Francis Vicente said this yesterday at the Philippine Sportswriters Forum at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City Tuesday, March 14 after he and national men’s coach Sammy Acaylar revealed their choices for the respective 24-member pools.
Vicente said great care will now be taken when coaching staff finally selects the Final 12.
“They’re superstars. They’re decorated players. We have to be strict in implementing the selection process. This is about developing the character and the values of the women’s team. Ito ang tututukan namin kasi magtatagisan sila ng talino sa court,” said Vicente.
Former Ateneo standout Alyssa Valdez leads the women’s pool. She is joined by two-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones of San Sebastian College. Also with her are Ateneo’s Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino, La Salle’s Kim Dy, Kim Fajardo and Dawn Macandili.
Also in the roster are Jaja Santiago, Lourdes Clemente, Denden Lazaro, Genevieve Casugod, Rachel Anne Daquis, Maika Ortiz, Dindin Manabat, Bia General, Rhea Dimaculangan, and Aiza Maizo Pontillas.
Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas president Joey Romasanta and vice president Peter Cayco, who was tasked to lead the formation of the national squad, were at hand to hear out the national coaches.
Also included are University of the East’s Roselle Baliton and Kathleen Arado, Ria Meneses, Myla Pablo, Elaine Kasilag, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Abigail Marano.
On the other hand, Acaylar said the choice of the national men’s team will be more straightforward, since they will just have to test the physical, mental and biometric conditioning of the players.
In the men’s pool are College of St. Benilde’s Mark Deximo, Rey Taneo, John Kenneth Sarcena, Geuel Asia, Relan Taneo, John Vic de Guzman, Alnakran Abdilla, Howard Mojica and Mark Alfafaran.
Also named were Dave Cabaron, Peter Torres, Lorenzo Capate, Bonjomar Castel, Reyson Fuentes, Herschel Ramos, Louwie Chaves, Jack Kalingking, John Paul Bugaoan, John Carascal and Eddiemar Kasim.
Far Eastern University’s Peter Quiel, Anjo Pertiera, Erickson Ramos and Jeff Malabanan were also mentioned.
The tryouts will resume this week at the Arellano University gymnasium in Taft Ave.
