The Philippines will host the 2022 Volleyball Nations League Week 2 starting on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And it’s gonna be top-level competition as the best 16 teams in the FIVB world rankings will collide here.
Leading the pack is world no. 1 and reigning Olympics gold medalist USA, together with Brazil and Serbia, the silver and bronze winners.
In the top 16 squads, only Russia will not participate due to the ongoing tension between the country and Ukraine. Bulgaria was chosen to take the place of Russia.
God-tier competition means high-level learning for the up-and-coming Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team.
“Volleyball is always good and at this level, you cannot miss any day,” said Philippines head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito after their intense tuneup with Japan, the only undefeated VNL team left.
“I will be there every day. I’m sure our players will be there also.”
For sure they will be watching intently too, be it in the coliseum or in the comfort of their homes.
Tots Carlos, who led the country against Japan last Sunday with 14 points and 14 digs, said the VNL happening here will be beneficial to the national team.
“This is actually good for Philippine volleyball kasi we get to see different systems,” said Carlos, who is in her first stint with the nationals.
“We’re really happy na may mga ganitong hostings kasi we will learn from them eh.”
Alyssa Valdez, who have played as an import in Thailand and Taiwan before, also expressed her excitement for the coming VNL week in the country.
Moments after the Philippines’ tuneup game on Sunday, Valdez posted on her Instagram account photos with Thai and Japanese players they have clashed with including one with Japan captain Sarina Koga.
“What a weekend. Had an amazing opportunity to play against these top-caliber players and become friends with them,” said 2022 PVL Open Conference Finals MVP.
“Will watch, cheer, and learn from them at the VNL.”
Completing the VNL participants are Belgium, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Poland, and Turkey.
—
All VNL Manila games stream live on GigaPlay. Download it now on Android or IOS.
