After learning of opportunities to play for the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team in major Asian tournaments, it turns out the country’s up-and-coming stars will have to wait.
The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. held the National Team tryouts late January, which also had the aim of building a pool for a U-23 squad.
But, the LVPI announced on Wednesday morning that the Philippines will not be participating in the major AVC tournaments this year, including the Asian U-23 and Asian Seniors Championship.
Several young UAAP players, who were looking forward to donning the country’s colors, were disheartened to hear of the news.
“Nalungkot ako, pero pinag-pray ko na lang din ‘yun kasi siguro hindi pa time ngayon. Pero madami pa naman, madami pa namang dadating na mga liga sa international,” admitted University of Santo Tomaa rookie Eya Laure, who is 19 years old.
“Kahit papaano, siyempre, as a player, sino ba namang hindi gusto na parang i-represent ‘yung country? So yun, for me, nalungkot pero sabi ko nga ipagpe-pray ko na lang kung ano yung plans ni God sa Philippine volleyball. Dito muna tayo magfo-focus sa UAAP na lang.”
“Well, sad, siyempre. At last, naka-tryout kami tapos may possibility na maudlot pa. For me, wala naman na kaming magagawa. ‘Yun ‘yung decision nila. Baka, in the future, ‘yun ‘yung time namin,” said University of the Philippines ace Tots Carlos, who had expressed her desire to play for the National Team, but only got to try out this year.
For now, Carlos is resigned to having no control over the situation, especially since she is still young. But she hopes for a better program in the future.
“Siyempre, oo (gusto maging maayos ‘yung Philippine volleyball). Pero, wala pa akong magagawa doon eh. Siguro, in the future, gusto kong maging maganda ‘yung sistema ng volleyball sa Pilipinas.”
