BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Due to rising COVID-19 cases in Ilocos Norte, the Premier Volleyball League has decided to compress its schedule until next week.
This also means that Philippine women’s national volleyball team pool members Jaja Santiago and Mylene Paat of Chery Tiggo can join the squad sooner than expected.
The pool is currently training in Batangas for the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship, which Clark is hosting on August 29.
Already in the Batangas bubble are Eya Laure, Kamille Cal, Mhicaela Belen, Ivy Lacsina, Alyssa Solomon, Jennifer Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Imee Hernandez, Bernadette Pepito, Iris Tolenada, and Aby Marano.
Other PVL players, on the other hand, that will follow suit are Ria Meneses and Dell Palomata.
“Sa akin siguro, may magandang magiging dulot kasi ‘yung kundisyon medyo okay, pero somehow hindi rin kasi pagod,” opined the 25-year-old Santiago after the Crossovers’ sweep against Black Mamba-Army.
“‘Pagdating sa national team hindi natin alam kung sinong magiging kasama natin. So ibi-build pa natin ‘yung connection pagdating doon.”
Paat echoed Santiago’s statement but insisted that her focus remains on the task at hand — helping Chery Tiggo win the PVL Open Conference.
“Okay naman po siya kung sa ganon,” said the 5-foot-11 Paat.
“Actually sa nasa isip ko ngayon, sobrang naka-focus ako sa liga natin ngayon. And hangga’t maaari ayaw ko pang ipasok ‘yung National Team.”
The Crossovers will clinch one of the four semifinals berths tomorrow if Petro Gazz beats Sta. Lucia. But they will face a tough task ahead, as they will face Choco Mucho a day before the semis.
“Ang iniisip lang namin ngayon is makuha namin ‘yung kundisyon ng katawan namin, maalagaan namin. Kasi ‘yun nga, magiging sunud-sunod ‘yung games,” said Santiago.
“Mentally, physically, and emotionally, kailangan stable kami lahat.”
