Jaja Santiago won’t be seeing action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc. president Joey Romasanta disclosed on Tuesday.
Romasanta said Santiago’s Japanese club team, Ageo Medic, did not allow the 6-foot-5 middle blocker as the biennial meet coincides with the Japan V. Premier League.
The Japanese league will start in October while the SEA Games is scheduled Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
“It is unfortunate, but we understand the situation. The coaching staff will make the necessary adjustments so that we can field the strongest team possible for the SEA Games,” said Romansta.
Romasanta also disclosed that Jema Galanza and Celine Domingo have withdrawn from the national pool.
With the developments, LVPI and the coaching staff have included Jovelyn Gonzaga, Roselyn Doria and Maddie Madayag in the training pool.
“Hopefully if her team will allow her, we can also have Kim Fajardo in the pool,” said Romasanta.
Members of the pool at the moment are Jia Morado, Iris Tolenada, Eya Laure, Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Kalei Mau, Ces Molina, Alyssa Valdez, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Mylene Paat, Dawn Macandili and Kath Arado.
Alohi Robins-Hardy is also included in the lineup although she’s still working to acquire a Philippine passport.
Deadline of entry by name for the SEA Games has been extended from Sept. 2 to 30 to give way to requests from other participating nations.
Meanwhile, the PH pool is gearing up for the first Southeast Asian Volleyball Grand Prix happening on Sept. 20 to 22 in Korat, Thailand.
This will be the first leg of the Grand Prix, which serves as a training ground for the squad in the SEAG.
Participating teams are Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. (Kristel Satumbaga)