Just days away from the league’s opening day, the Shakey’s V-League has released the lineups for the eight competing teams in the 13th season’s Open Conference.
With several staple teams either transferring or dissolving their teams, this conference’s field features multiple new clubs and a couple of UAAP teams.
Reinforced by several former Ateneo Lady Eagles, Bali Pure look to be the early favorites. UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones will suit up for the new squad, making for a formidable scoring duo.
Fresh from Top Four finishes in the PSL, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, formerly the Philips Gold Lady Slammers, will parade a better overall lineup, with their core of Myla Pablo, Michele Gumabao, and Melissa Gohing still intact.
After a disappointing run in UAAP Season 78, the National University Lady Bulldogs will look for redemption. Pulling double-duty for two teams, 6’6” Jaja Santiago will remain NU’s most potent weapon, with Fil-Japanese middle hitter Risa Sato making her debut for the gold and blue.
After a promising UAAP Season 78 campaign, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons look to build on the momentum of their first Final Four finish in more than a decade. UP will play with the exact same lineup they had in the UAAP.
KIA, who debuted in the Open Conference last season, will look to better their early exit. This time, they’ll look to their trio of Adamson Lady Falcons – Mylene Paat, Jema Galanza, and Fen Emnas – to power their crusade.
Provincial teams Iriga and Baguio will look to turn heads with teams filled with local talent, while the depleted Air Force team will look to move on after losing two of their best players – Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan.
The V-League will hold their opening day festivities on May 22 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The first matches, however, will be played on May 28 also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
2016 V-League official rosters:
As of May 19, 2016
Bali Pure
Lazaro, Denise
Valdez, Alyssa
Gervacio, Angeline
Tajima, Mae
Soltones, Grethcel
Tan, Bea
Soriano, Charo
Marciano, Janine
Eroa, Alyssa
Bello, Karla
Agbayani, Ivanah
Ahomiro, Rongomaipapa
Pocari Sweat
Pablo, Myla
Fajardo, Rossan
Gohing, Melissa
Gumabao, Michele
Nepomuceno, Maricar
Kasilag, Elaine
Enclona, Rica Jane
Vargas, Rose Marie
Sy, Gyselle
Malaluan, Lutgarda
Dadang, Desiree
Alkuino, Erika
Baliton, Roselle
Espelita, Sarah
University of the Philippines
Lai, Jewel
Layug, Maristela
Chopitea, Sheena
Bersola, Katherine
Molde, Isabela
Buitre, Marian
Gaiser, Princess
Dorog, Justine
Alinas, Vina
Aiesha, Gannaban
Cailing, Rose Marie
Estrañero, Arielle
Carlos, Diana
Tiamzon, Nicole
KIA
Kramer, Brandy
Galanza, Jessica
Paat, Mylene
Tan, Denise
Emnas, Fenela
Galang, Eunice
Sta. Rita, Joyce
Layug, Alyssa
Villegas, Katherine
Gillego, Charlene
Eulalio, Wyneth
Prado, Jovielyn
National University
Diolan, Rica
Santiago, Alyja Daphne
Nabor, Jasmine
General, Bia
Doromal, Roma
Pablo, Marites
Urdas, Aiko
Doria, Roselyn
Abriam, Klarisa
Valdez, Gayle
Singh, Jorelle
Sato, Risa
Air Force
Crisostomo, Mae
Yongco, Iari
Balmaceda, Mary Ann
Pantino, Mary Ann
Semana, Wendy
Manzano, Jennifer
Cabalsa, Jozza Mae
Palomata, Dell
Caballejo, Judy
Cases, Joy
Papa, Yna Louise
Abanto, Camille
Antipuesto, Angel
Tapic, Josemer
Baguio
Costales, Aloisa
Belsa, Belle
Atuban, Cherry
Abella, Cielo Marcelle
Degay, Rochelle
Balantac, Shirley
Torres, Marian Fleurizze
Tsuchiya, Maria Ai
Dickensen, Carmela Care
Rossi, Anna Colleen
Reyes, Lyka Mae
Guyguyon, Nicole Brielle
Atuban, Mary Ann
Arances, Raynar Yannah
Saet, Relea Ferina
Iriga City
Lana, Janeca Janine
Levina, Karen
Bombita, Ayra Mikael
Co, Edcel
Lagrimas, Cindy
Bombita, Grazielle
Guab, Ethna
Gazmen, Madelaine
Buenventura, Keshia
Almelor, Mariaser
Mondragon, Gretchen
Baral, Regina
Dio, Cherry
Faurillo, Hannah