MANILA – Six Western Visayas-based volleybelles were named as part of the national women’s volleyball and beach volleyball pool to 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 included in the women’s beach volleyball roster are 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 the qualities of the members based on how well the teams could neutralize traditional Southeast Asian Games powers Thailand, Indonesia and 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 inate 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 or from the PNVF was infected by the virus.”
The national team pool starts training in June for both the Asian Seniors Women Volleyball Championship this August and the Hanoi 31st SEA Games from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2./PN
