THOUGH newcomers in the Premier Volleyball League, the Gerflor Defenders aren’t lacking in experience and expect to make a strong impact in their first foray in the country’s premier women’s volley league.
The team has campaigned in various tournaments, including the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League, and the men behind the team it feel it’s about time the Defenders leveled up by vying in the PVL Invitationals which unfolds on June 27 at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan.
“We are very excited to finally be able to be part of the PVL,” said Gerflor team manager Jordan Tolentino.
“We have been organizing and joining several leagues which helped us prepare for the PVL, which we believe is the most prestigious league in the country. Being a part of the PVL is already an honor and an accomplishment for our volleyball club.”
To anchor their title drive, the Defenders tapped veteran head coach Edgar Barroga.
A former Cignal head coach, Barroga is the current mentor of the National University Nazareth School’s boys’ volleyball squad.
According to Barroga, the team’s practices heading to the tournament have been intense, with the players showing eagerness and raring to prove that they belong.
“Makikita mo sa kanila ‘yung eagerness, kung gaano sila gumalaw sa loob ng court,” Barroga told One Sports’ The Game.
“Excited kami na mai-apply namin sa tunay na laro ‘yung mga ginagawa naming,” he added.
Veteran playmakers Fhen Emnas and Ivy Perez are tasked to lead Gerflor, which joins defending champion Creamline, Chery Tiggo, PLDT and Akari in Pool A of the two-group tournament.
Completing the squad are former HD Spikers players Ranya Musa and Rap Aguilar; Mina Aganon, Janine Navarro, Shannen Palec, Shannen Palec, Julia Angeles, Pia Sarmiento, Mary Esguerra, Andrea Marzan, AJ Jingco, Alyssa Bertolano, and Ethan Arce.
Gerflor gets its baptism of PVL on June 29 against a solid Creamline side.
