As the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team begins its 12-day training camp on Monday, head coach Shaq Delos Santos aims to put a premium on the cohesion of his wards as a unit.
“Ang gagawin pa namin ay kung paano makapaglaro ulit as one team,” said Delos Santos. “‘Yun ang ina-adjust namin kasi skills-wise, meron na naman sila.
“‘Yung gagawin na lang namin ay kung paano mapatakbo ang team kasi ‘yun ang kailangan namin.”
In preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila on November, the delegates of the Philippines flew to Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.
Among the players of the 14-strong tricolor squad who arrived safely in the Japanese capital were outside hitters Alyssa Valdez, Kalei Mau, and Ces Molina; and skipper Aby Maraño, as well as her fellow middle blockers Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes and Maddie Madayag.
Opposite hitter Mylene Paat, playmakers Jia Morado and Rhea Dimaculangan, and liberos Kath Arado and Dawn Macandili also reached the destination, as well as reserves Roselyn Doria and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.
Meanwhile, Eya Laure and Jovelyn Gonzaga, along with assistant coach Kungfu Reyes, will fly in on Wednesday, October 23.
Following a much-needed rest upon their arrival, the Nationals will kick off their intensive training camp with a session of volleyball drills and strength conditioning on Monday. They will then face off against Kashiwa Angel Cross on Tuesday in the first of their five scheduled friendlies.
“I think magiging intense kasi ang mga susunod na araw, pero definitely tomorrow [Monday] ‘yung mga adjustments lang ng players and kami, ang adjustment lang ng team [ang aayusin],” said Delos Santos.
“Kasi siyempre first day rin, so more on morning conditioning muna and then ball training kami sa hapon kasi the next day may tuneup na.”
