Former University of the Philippines Lady Maroons co-captains Kathy Bersola and Nicole Tiamzon have been tapped by the coach Jerry Yee-mentored Perlas Lady Spikers for the upcoming 2017 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“Yes, Kathy and Nicole are playing for us,” Perlas team manager Charo Soriano shared. Fellow Ateneo alumna and former Bali Pure setter Karla Bello joins Soriano as the team’s manager.
Both Bersola and Tiamzon are coming off a disappointing UAAP campaign, as the Lady Maroons did not make the Final Four after having reached the post-season a season ago.
Bersola, 21, is a 5-foot-11 middle blocker. She won the best blocker honors in both the 76th season of the UAAP and the 2015 Reinforced Conference.
Tiamzon, also 21, is an open spiker. She used to play for the Foton Tornadoes in the 2015 PSL All-Filipino Conference. They finished in third place during the tournament.
Joining the two are Amy Ahomiro, Mae Tajima, Dzi Gervacio, Ella de Jesus, Jem Ferrer, Amanda Villanueva, Sue Roces, and Sasa Devanadera. The team also tapped Brazilian Rupia Inck and Japanese setter Naoko Hashimoto as reinforcements.
Perlas will open their season against the Alyssa Valdez-led Creamline Cool Smashers on Sunday, April 30, at 6:00pm. The game will be held at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
