NO stars, no medal?
Philippine National Volleyball Federation national team commission head Tony Boy Liao is convinced the Philippine women’s squad needs its standouts to contend for a podium finish in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in November.
“Kung gustong magkaroon ng medalya ng Pilipinas sa SEA Games, kailangan kasama iyong mga stars,” Liao said last Saturday on Radyo5 92.3 News FM’s Power and Play program hosted by former PBA commissioner Noli Eala.
“Para talaga maging malakas iyong national team natin,” he added.
PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said a “no tryout, no national team” move will be imposed after only 16 player showed up in the tryouts last April 28 at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Gymnasium in Subic.
Japan V. League import Jaja Santiago led those who showed up. Completing the attendees were veterans Aby Maraño, Majoy Baron, Iris Tolenada, Mylene Paat, Eya Laure, Marivic Meneses and Dell Palomata together with collegiate stars Kamille Cal, Mhicaela Belen, Ivy Lacsina, Alyssa Solomon, Jennifer Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Imee Hernandez and Bernadette Pepito.
Among the big names who didn’t show up were Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, Kalei Mau, Ces Molina, Kat Tolentino, Rhea Dimaculangan, Kim Fajardo, Alohi Robins-Hardy, Jia Morado, Jasmine Nabor, Dindin Santiago, MJ Philips, Kim Kianna Dy, Risa Sato, Bea De Leon, Maddie Madayag, Denden Lazaro, Kath Arado, and Dawn Macandili.
Thirty-one players attended the men’s tryouts, while 40 players arrived for the beach volleyball team.
