Veteran Alyssa Valdez and Johnvic De Guzman banner the national women’s and men’s volleyball team that will see action in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this August.
Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. officials and national team coaches made the formal announcement of the 18-man pool yesterday that will be submitted to the Philippine Sports Commission.
Joining Valdez in the squad are team captain Mika Reyes, La Salle standouts Aby Maraño, Kim Fajardo, and Dawn Macandili, former Ateneo mainstay Denden Lazaro, National University middle blocker Jaja Santiago, and veterans Aiza Pontillas, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Maika Ortiz, Rachel Ann Daquis, and Rhea Dimaculangan.
Completing the cast are Jen Casugod, Ces Molina, Kath Arado, Ria Meneses, Roselle Baliton, and Lourdes Clemente.
“I’m a very passionate coach. I want results, and I believe this team can give us the results we want,” said PH women’s team coach Francis Vicente.
The selection came at the heels of miscommunication involving absences of players particularly Valdez during trainings, but differences were eventually ironed out.
Meanwhile, the men’s team consists of Relan Taneo, Geuel Asia, Bryan Bagunas, Ranran Abdilla, Dave Cabaron, Mark Alfafara, Reyson Fuentes, Jeff Malabanan, Bonjomar Castel, Herschel Ramos, Jack Kalingking, Louie Chavez, Edward Camposano, Greg Dolor, Pete Quiel, John Sarsena, John Carascal.