After weeks of practice, Roger Gorayeb, the U23 Coach, has finally chosen the 12 women to banner the Philippine flag.
Leading the charge for the Philippines is Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez. Valdez recently led Ateneo to its back-to-back UAAP women’s volleyball championship. Moreover, Alyssa will not be in unfamiliar territory, as the U23 roster includes Ateneo teammates, Jia Morado, Bea De Leon, and Jhoanna Maraguinot. Not to mention Roger Gorayeb was Alyssa’s former coach in Ateneo.
Other members of the team include NU’s hard-hitting players, Myla Pablo and Jaja Santiago, as well as UST’s EJ Laure and Ria Meneses.
Alongside these ladies are NCAA MVP, Gretchel Soltones, Alyssa Eroa, and Rissa Sato. The final slot for the team is still up in the air as Coach Roger has offered an invite to DLSU’s Kim Fajardo, but is currently waiting for her reply. Furthermore, if Kim does not make it into the lineup, Elaine Kasilag will take her place instead.