By Adrian Stewart Co
Six Western Visayas-based volleybelles were named as part of the national women’s volleyball and beach volleyball pool that will compete in international tournaments later this year.
Ilongga middle blocker Abigail Maraño and Aklanon middle blocker Dell Palomata were among the 16 players included in the national women’s volleyball team announced by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
Joining Maraño and Palomata were Iris Tolenada, Kamille Cal, Faith Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Mhicaela Belen, Mylene Paat, Eya Laure, Alyssa Solomon, Majoy Baron, Jaja Santiago, Ria Meneses, Imee Hernandez, Jennifer Nierva, and Bernadette Pepito.
Negros Occidental-natives Bernadeth Pons, Erjane Magdato, Alexa Polidario, and Jennifer Cosas, meanwhile, were included in the 10-person women’s beach volleyball pool.
Also part of the women’s beach volleyball roster were former University of Santo Tomas standout Cherry Rondina, Babylove Barbon, Gen Eslaplor, Angelique Gervacio, Dij Rodriguez, and Mer Jauculan.
PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the members of the national volleyball team pool were culled from the three-day tryouts at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last April 28 to 30.
He added that the coaches also considered in the selection of the pool members the qualities a player possesses as based on how the teams could neutralize traditional Southeast Asian Games power Thailand, Indonesia and even Vietnam.
“In selecting the members of the pool, we put into strong consideration the athletes’ skills and potentials to improve, and as importantly, their dedication to flag and country, and their visibly innate qualities,” Suzara said in a virtual presser.
“The tryouts were a success as many players answered the call,” Suzara said. “But what made the tryouts even more successful was that no one from the players nor from the PNVF was infected by the virus.”
The national team pool will start training in June for both the Asian Seniors Women Volleyball Championship this August and the Hanoi 31st SEA Games set from November 21 to December 2./ASC, WDJ