Hosting the 2016 FIVB Women’s World Club Championship and fielding a team has to be the Philippines’ biggest undertaking in volleyball in over a decade.
Dormant for a good part of the 2000’s, the country’s volleyball federation has been trying to jump-start their road back to relevance in the region.
To fortify their local delegation, PSL-F2 Logistics Manila added seven reinforcements to their lineup, including Americans Stephane Niemer and Lindsay Stalzer.
Stalzer has been a regular in the Philippines, as she returned to the country for the third year in a row. 
Niemer, on the other hand, brings with her an impressive resumé that includes stints in tough European leagues. 
In the on-going tournament, Stalzer and Niemer have been relied on heavily to provide the brunt of the local club’s scoring. And, as foreigners, the pair have been a part of some of the biggest moments in Philippine volleyball.
Both helped greatly to keep the PSL selection from being blown out against Rexona-Sesc and Pomi Casalmaggiore. They also scored the last two points in F2’s historic set win over Ezcasibasi.
“That was definitely an amazing feeling. Just watching the crowd react and how everyone celebrated, I could definitely tell that it meant a lot to the locals and the fans,” said Illinois-native Stalzer.
“That was definitely exciting. The crowd was so pumped and the girls too were excited as well. We were really just trying to take it one step at a time and play with no pressure,” added Cincinnati girl Niemer.
Both feel honored to help the Philippines participate in the most prestigious club tournament in the world.
“You don’t get to play in this kind of tournament too often. It’s definitely one of those experiences I’m going to look back on and feel incredibly honored,” Stalzer expressed.
“Playing in the World Club Championship is a once-in-lifetime opportunity. It’s definitely an honor to be part of this with all the locals and just be able to share in this with them,” said Niemer.
