Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado, along with Kath Arado, are back in the national team pool.
The three stalwarts who were part of the 30th Southeast Asian Games team were named to the 20 player pool for the Hanoi Games in May.
The trio were not able to attend the national team tryouts a year ago in Subic.
But the need arose for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to make call ups as UAAP student-athletes Ateneo’s Faith Nisperos; University of Santo Tomas’ Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez and Bernadette Pepito; and National University’s Kamille Cal, Mhicaela Belen, Ivy Lacsina, Alyssa Solomon, and Jennifer Nierva are currently in a closed bubble in preparation for the collegiate season.
“It’s unfortunate that our promising young players from the collegiate leagues couldn’t join the pool, and the SEA Games for that matter, because their respective leagues are resuming their competitions before the Hanoi Games,” said PNVF president Tats Suzara.
Also called up were high school studs Casiey Dongallo and Jelaica Gajero of California Academy.
Overseas Filipino players Kalei Mau, Jaja Santiago, Mylene Paat, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat were also named to the pool.
Completing the squad are Iris Tolenada, Jasmine Nabor, Deanna Wong, Dawn Macandili, Ria Meneses, Dell Palomata, Aby Marano, Ces Molina, Kat Tolentino, Jema Galanza, and Kim Dy.
Surprisingly not in the lineup are Majoy Baron, who was a two-leg Best Middle Blocker in the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, and Rhea Dimaculangan.
Edson Souza De Brito is listed as the FIVB head coach along with Odjie Mamon. Assistant coaches are Rosario Antigua and George Pascua while Raffy Mosuela is the head trainer.
Men’s Team Retains Core
Dante Alinsunurin did not alter his 20-man pool as they try to nab gold in Hanoi this May.
Overseas stars Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, along with Joshua Umandal, headline the squad.
Also named to the pool are Mark Alfafara, John Vic De Guzman, Rex Intal, Kim Malabunga, Francis Saura, Jack Kalingking, Jessie Lopez, Ricky Marcos, Ish Polvorosa, Joshua Retamar, Ysay Marasigan, Nico Almendras, Joeven Dela Vega, JP Bugauan, Lloyd Josafat, Kim Dayandante, and Manuel Sumanguid.
Six to Cut
The PNVF will have until March 12 to submit its final roster to the Hanoi SEA Games Organizing Committee.
“The federation approved the recommendation of the national coaching staff for the national pool where we will eventually name the final composition of the teams for the Hanoi SEA Games,” said Suzara.
The teams will head to Brazil mid-April to train for the regional meet.
