Suzara welcomes Subic attendees in principle, notable PH Volleybelles absent

0Shares

by Andy Field

With a cast less than the number expected the National (Indoor) Team try-out for the women pushed through with PNVF President “Tats” Suzara looking over the coaches and players at the Subic Gym. 16 of the expected 40 players invited were present and participated. Suzara mentioned that the players who went to Subic for the tryouts would form part of the National Team in principle.

Many of the attendees, if they become part of the final cut, will be joining the team for the first time in their career. Due to the significant number of absentees the average age of the players in the Subic try-outs was lower than expected. Although the participation of several youthful and talented players could be advantageous to the federation in the long term, a battle-tested unit for the 2021 South East Asian Games this year must be the priority to acquire a gold medal finish.

The younger batch of players on the list were Kamille Cal (NU), Faith Nisperos (ADMU), Ivy Lacsina (NU), Mhicaela Belen (NU), Imee Hernandez (UST) and Alyssa Solomon (NU).

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon "Tats" Suzara gives a message to the 16 aspirants—a mix of veterans and promising collegiate players—answering the whistle in the PNVF tryouts for the national women’s volleyball team at the Subic Gym on Wednesday.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara gives a message to the 16 aspirants—a mix of veterans and promising collegiate players—answering the whistle in the PNVF tryouts for the national women’s volleyball team at the Subic Gym on Wednesday.

Expectedly with the absence of many of the former members of the senior National Team only a few players who have played for flag and country were in training gear, namely, Eya Laure (UST), Abigail Marano (F2 Logistics), Jaja Santiago (Ageo Medics, Chery Tiggo), Majoy Baron (F2 Logistics), and Mylene Paat (Chery Tiggo).

The experienced collegiate and professional players who joined were Iris Tolenada (formerly Motolite), Dell Palomata (Sta. Lucia), Ria Meneses (Petrogazz), Jennifer Nierva (UST), and Bernadett Pepito (UST).

In terms of experience and maturity, many of the attendees will need multiple doses of both because the group, in general, have very limited international experience. Certainly, it would be the responsibility of the federation to organize a team that would best represent the country in all senior international tournaments. Elite players should be given the chance to participate.

Unfortunately, a straightforward and disciplined procedure may not be enough to achieve these goals. With the coronavirus covering all corners of the world it could be favorable to find a more unique approach in forming the team.

The notable absentees who were former National Team members were Alyssa Valdez (Creamline), Kim Fajardo (F2 Logistics), Din Din Santiago (Chery Tiggo), Kim Dy (F2 Logistics), Denden Lazaro (Choco Mucho), Dawn Macandili (F2 Logistics), Jia Morado (Creamline), and Maddie Madayag (Choco Mucho).

With far-reaching and well-organized professional tournaments the country has become an ideal destination for talented foreign volleyball players. Many foreign players with Filipino ancestry playing in the PSL and the PVL in the past decade have made a remarkable impact on their local team. An impact that would translate well in the National Team if they were to be given a chance to join. Alohi Robins-Hardy (Cignal HD Spikers), MJ Philips (Sta. Lucia), and Kalei Mau (Changas de Naranjito) are just a few who did not physically make it to Subic but could make a difference for the Philippine volleyball program.

In an interview, National Team Commission head Tony Boy Liao conceded that a second try-out may be a possibility depending on the evaluation of the team coaches. The national team is scheduled to start training on May 15th in preparation for the upcoming SEAGames in Hanoi.

Related Posts
Volleyball row to be settled soon, POC to supervise elections
POC President Bambol Tolentino [POC Photo]

"There was already a request from the FIVB some time ago to hold a volleyball election before the FIVB’s general Read more

PH Volleyball row to be settled on January 25
PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (third from left) and volleyball stake holders (from left) Ariel Paredes, Ramon “Tats” Suzara pose for unity.

POC President Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino presided over the important meeting among the stakeholders and POC officials at the Makati Read more

PVL: Perlas Spikers Nicole Tiamzon looking forward to the bubble season
BanKo-Perlas’ Nicole Tiamzon challenges Creamline’s RIsa Sato and Michele Gumabao during their PVL Open match.

Nicole Tiamzon excited as 2021 PVL season set to restart soon but under different conditions.

PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup: Polidario, Magdato tow Abanse Negrense to 2021 plum
Alexa Polidario and Erjane Magdato of Abanse Negrense

Alexa Polidario and Erjane Magdato leaned on their guile and creativity to pull off a two-set win over a gutsy Read more

Andy Fiel
0Shares

Leave a Reply