Iris Tolenada will be back in the country earlier than expected.
The 5-foot-9 Filipino-American setter has been tapped by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation as the replacement for Jovelyn Gonzaga.
Gonzaga had decided to focus on the women’s beach volleyball program last Wednesday.
Confirming the development to Tiebreaker Times is PNVF National Team Commission head Tony Boy Liao.
“We sent her invitation letter and she has confirmed her attendance,” said Liao.
Tolenada, 29, will be flying back to Manila from California later this week.
Tolenada is no stranger to the national team as she was part of the squad that competed in the 2015 Asian Championships.
The 2016 V-League Best Setter was also part of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games pool.
Currently, Tolenada, who was recently named as the volleyball director of Fil-Am Nation, is a free agent after the disbandment of Motolite.
Tolenada will join Rhea Dimaculangan (PLDT), Kim Fajardo (F2 Logistics), Alohi Robins (Cignal HD), Jia Morado (Creamline), Jasmine Nabor (Chery Tiggo), and Kamille Cal (NU) as the playmakers in the pool.
The tryouts for the women’s indoor team takes place on April 29 in Subic Gym.
