Petron’s Aiza Maizo-Pontillas was a fresh sight at the last day of the tryouts for the 2017 Women’s National Team that will compete in the SEA Games and AVC Women’s Seniors Championship.
The University of Santo Tomas legend has been a fixture on National Team contingents, always heeding the country’s call for its best players.
But in 2015, Maizo was involved in a string of controversies with the SEA Games roster. The former UAAP MVP was not included in the roster, as coaches and media publicized her alleged disinterest. She still traveled with the team to Singapore, but only as a replacement player.
Again vying for a spot on the National Team, Maizo is looking forward to a better, less controversial stint.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi ko pa sana gustong bumalik dito, sa Manila. Dapat sa February pa. Pero ang daming nagtatanong kung magta-tryout daw ba ako. Hindi ko pa naman alam noon. Pinag-isipan ko din muna. Naisip ko din kung matatanggap pa ako dahil din sa nangyari noong 2015.
“Sana matanggap pa din and hopefully, mas tahimik ang pag-tryout ko ngayon,” the 28-year-old told Tiebreaker Times, laughing while talking about her troubled 2015.
The UAAP champion. however, is doubtful she’ll make the team with the younger batch of players.
“Iniisip ko din sa daming mas bata at mas magaling sa akin kung kakayanin ko pa. Sinabi ko lang na try ko pa din mag-tryout.
“Ayoko na mag-expect na sure akong makakapasok,” the 5-foot-10 opposite hitter added.
Still one of the most prolific opposite hitters in the country, Maizo can still contribute on any team she plays for regardless of who’s on the other side of the net.
“Wala naman siguro akong gustong patunayan. Siguro, gusto ko lang maglaro para sa bayan talaga,” she said.
