15-strong Women’s National Team pool puts on show

Out of the original 25-woman National Team pool, only 13 played in the Clash of Heroes fund-raising event.

Still, the remaining players of the Women’s National Team aspirants — along with a pair of late call-ups — managed a five-set showcase, with the Mika Reyes- and Ces Molina-led Blue side overcoming the Red side of Jaja Santiago and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, 19-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-15, 15-10, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Going down 0-2 in sets, the Blue squad rallied back to take the match through serving. The Blue side looked like underdogs as, of their seven players, three were middle blockers.

Initially, Vicente was quoted as saying that the match would play a pivotal in his decisions regarding who makes the first cut for the Philippine that will play in the SEA Games and Asian Seniors Tournament.

Now, when asked if it will still affect their standing, Vicente opted to keep mum. He gave a vague metaphor.

“Sarado na ang pinto [sa mga di nakapunta], pero di pa naka-lock,” said Vicente.

He added that he will deliberate with his coaching staff and the LVPI on who will make the team. He will make the announcement before he leaves with the PSL-Rebisco team for Kazakhstan on May 21.

Among those who did not play in the Clash of Heroes were PVL players Alyssa Valdez, Grethcel Soltones, Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag, and PSL’ s Jovelyn Gonzaga, Rachel Daquis, Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Dawn Macandili and Aby Maraño.

The Scores

Blue (3) – Molina 20, Reyes 17, Adorador 13, Rosario 7, Baliton 5, Clemente 3, General (L)

Red (2) – Santiago 19, Casugod 8, Meneses 8, Pontillas 8, Ortiz 5, Dimaculangan 4, Arado (L), Lazaro (L)