Ateneo official says it was players decision not to attend National Team tryout

Out of the significant absentees from the first National Team tryout last Friday, fans most notably sought out the current Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles on Ramil De Jesus’ wishlist.

But there was no prohibition that occurred within Ateneo.

According to Ateneo volleyball program head Sherwin Malonzo, it was up to the players — namely Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino and Bea De Leon — if they wanted to attend the tryout.

“Actually, we let the players decide kung gusto nila pumunta,” said Malonzo.

“It just so happened na they want to focus on the UAAP muna.”

Another Ateneo official added that the trio are unlikely to attend the Wednesday tryouts.

“They want to focus on the UAAP muna kasi. Hopefully, the LVPI can understand our players kasi they really want to join the National Team,” said the official who requested anonymity.

The Lady Eagles slipped to the third seed in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball Final Four. They take on the twice-to-beat Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Saturday.