TRYOUTS. 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 (April 28, 2021). The PNVF is forming a team that will compete in the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games slated Nov. 21 to Dec. 2 this year. (Photo courtesy of PNVF)
MANILA – Sixteen female spikers in both the professional and collegiate levels graced the national team tryouts at the Subic Bay Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Jaja Santiago, who recently won a championship in Japan, headlines the players who took part in the tryouts as the women's team looks to barge into the podium in this year's Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi after barely missing out of the Top 3 two years ago in Pasig.
Mylene Paat and Eya Laure, who were part of the 2019 team like Santiago, also attended the tryouts, which were managed by Coach Odjie Mamon.
The other pros in the tryouts were Iris Tolenada, Ria Meneses, and Dell Palomata.
On the other hand, Kamille Cal, Mhicaela Belen, Ivy Lacsina, Alyssa Solomon, Jennifer Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Imee Hernandez and Bernadette Pepito made up the players who joined the tryouts from the amateur ranks.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) revealed on Tuesday that Aby Marano and Majoy Baron, also members of the 2019 Nationals, are joining the tryouts for national team that will compete in Hanoi SEA Games set to be held from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2 this year.
It was previously reported that 17 are coming to Subic for the tryouts, but Sta. Lucia player MJ Phillips begged off after one of the team's staff tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019, forcing her to go on quarantine.
“The federation puts the health and safety of the participants in equal footing with our goal of forming the national teams as soon as possible,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.
On the other hand, Suzara said the national team might convene earlier than scheduled as the PNVF awaits the decision of the Asian Volleyball Confederation on whether they will award the Philippines the hosting rights to the Asian Women's Championships. (PNA)
