By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) is sending the national women’s volleyball team to Japan for an extensive training as part of its buildup for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.
LVPI President Joey Romasanta said the team will spend two weeks playing tuneup matches with different Japanese club teams in July with hopes of giving the Filipina spikers the needed exposure for the tough quadrennial meet.
“We’re still looking for possible venues for our national team in Japan. We’re hoping that this exposure will boost the players’ confidence and sharpen their skills,” Romasanta said.
Japan is a powerhouse country in the sport, with its women’s volleyball team currently ranked No. 6 in the world.
On Thursday night, PH team coach Shaq delos Santos announced the final 12 players and two reserves going to the Asian Games slated Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.
Aside from Aby Maraño, who was earlier named team captain, the other members of the team are Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Jia Morado, Kim Fajardo, Dawn Macandili, Kianna Dy, Dindin Manabat, Cha Cruz-Behag, Ces Molina, and Alyssa Valdez.
