Long-time women’s volleyball rivals now belong to Philippine team

Philippine volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez (left) and Mika Reyes

PHOTO BY SUPPLIED

Volleyball association announces members of national pool

MANILA – From being longtime arch-rivals to teammates, Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes now find themselves in one team – the Philippine women’s volleyball pool.

The 25-woman national team with Francis Vicente as coach will compete in various international competitions.

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) yesterday announced the composition of the national women’s and men’s volleyball teams during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

Valdez and Reyes had been fierce rivals at the University Athletic Association (UAAP) in their college days. Valdez was a star player of the Ateneo de Manila University while Reyes was with De la Salle University.

Also part of the women’s pool are Jaja Santiago, Rachel Ann Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aby Marano, Dindin Manabat, Lourdes Clemente, Gen Casugod, Maika Ortiz, Marivic Meneses, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas,Myla Pablo, Gretchel Soltones, Elaine Kasilag, Roselle Baliton, Rhea Dimaculangan, Kim Fajardo, Bia General, Denden Lazaro, Kath Arado, Kat Tolentino, Maddie Maddayag, Kim Dy and Dawn Macandili.

Valdez, Reyes, Santiago, Daquis, Gonzaga suited up for the Philippine team in the 2016 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship last October.

Meanwhile, Valdez is reportedly eyed to lead the women’s volleyball team that will compete in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games but she downplayed the reports saying that being part of the national pool is enough for her.

Aside from Valdez, also being considered for the captaincy are Fajardo, Daquis and Maizo-Pontillas.

The daily training of the women’s team will begin today and Vicente will be choosing who to field in the U-23, Asian Seniors and SEA Games, all of which will be held this August. GAC/Expat Media

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