After Tiebreaker Times broke the news that Creamline Cool Smashers Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado are not participating in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup with the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team, head coach Shaq Delos Santos remains focused on getting the nationals prepared.
Speaking with the media during the Invitational Cup press event Thursday afternoon, Delos Santos emphasized his full understanding of Valdez and Morado’s situation.
Having been the coach of Petron last year when the national team campaigned in numerous tournaments overseas, Delos Santos sees how the conflict with club commitments and national team duties can greatly affect players.
“I think ‘di naman totally magiging problem for us kasi napaka-flexible and very understanding ng players.
“Pero definitely sa practice, pumupunta naman sila. Isa din sa sobrang importante yung practice namin,” Delos Santos said of Valdez and Morado.
“Kung di sila makalaro, kung sino yung nanduyan, tatrabahuhin namin. Pero pagdating ng training namin, definitely kasama sila,” he added.
“So open kami sa lahat. Yun nga, lagi naming sinasabi na kung saan tayo magme-meet para lang ma-solve natin yung mga problems na darating, gawin natin.”
The national team will play against 6 PSL clubs as a guest team throughout the Invitational Cup. If a player takes on her club team, she plays for the club team.
Even Delos Santos will coach Petron when they play the nationals.