Alas Pilipinas Women late call-up Arah Panique promised to help the national team in any way she can in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
The 19-year-old Panique replaced University of the East rookie Cassiey Dongallo in the roster after the latter suffered a right arm injury.
Panique’s addition also came after her National University teammates Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon begged off.
“Yung ipakita ko lang po kung ano yung pinapakita ko sa UAAP, and siguro po, yung eagerness ko din po is ia-apply ko din po para makatulong po sa ates,” said Panique during Alas Pilipinas’ press conference at the Makati Shangri-La on Monday afternoon.
“For me honored lang ako kasi kinuha ulit ako ni coach Jorge (Souza de Brito) for AVC and sobrang thanklul po ako sa mga ates na nandyan lagi sa amin na nagguguide po and pinupush po kami na kayanin every training. Happy lang talaga ako,” she added.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
The product of Naga College Foundation has only been training with the team for the last two days.
Racing against time, Panique vowed to work double and catch up with the rest of the squad ahead of their debut against Australia on Thursday, 7:00 p.m., at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The 6-foot outside spiker, who will join a stacked wing rotation that consists of Faith Nisperos, Vanie Gandler, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Angel Canino, said that communication and focus will be the key for the newly-formed national team.
“Actually, two days lang po ako nakasama sa kanila, sa training ganon. So, siguro po, ita-trabaho ko na lang po yung kaya ko trabahuhin,” said Panique.
“Focus po inside the court and communication din po lalo na po bago lang po kami nagsama.”
