There is, however, no rest for the Nationals. Coming straight into the tournament from a two-week Japan training camp, they fly out to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, August 19, for the Southeast Asian Games.
An important tournament for the upstart volleyball program, the Philippines looks to improve on its lackluster finish in 2015.
And the Philippines has several positive to build on from the Asian Seniors tournament.
Other than their eighth-place finish, which qualifies them for the Asian Cup next year, the Philippines also scored a big win over Vietnam and held their own against South Korea.
“As a Philippine team, ito talaga ang start na nakikita namin as players,” declared Alyssa Valdez, one of the team’s leading scorers. “Sobrang mas gusto namin, mas na-inspire kami na bumalik sa mga ganitong tournaments dahil sa ganitong challenges. We have to move forward to the next goal. It’s the SEA games so we have to be prepared mentally and physically. We have to recover fast. Tuloy pa rin meron pa tayong SEA games bawi lang ng bawi.
“Hanggang may lalabanan, laban lang ng laban.”
Taking on top medal contenders Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, the 24-year old spiker is thankful they were given a proper build-up.
“Emotionally and physically we are all tired but we have ilang days to recover.
“Kilala na rin naman namin yung bawat isa alam mo na bawat tao sa court isa lang yung goal niya lalaban at magpapakamatay yan sa bola at para sa bansa,” closed the Philippine team’s ace.
