(CNN Philippines) — The under-23 national volleyball team has captured people’s hearts despite losing two games in the quarterfinals of the Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship.
In an interview on CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk on Tuesday (May 5), volleyball analyst Mozzy Ravena said Alyssa Valdez is the major reason why Filipinos love monitoring the national team.
“I think in every sport, us Filipinos we’re very iconic. We like a person that we can look up to, si Alyssa fits all that. Everybody knows she has such a high volleyball IQ, that’s why we all love seeing her play,” said Ravena.
“She has a variety of attacks — the back row attack, the utility attack, sometimes quick hits pa from her. She’s truly [leading] by example, a leader inside the court. And she’s very vocal with her teammates.”
Watch: Valdez, Santiago, Morado key players for Philippine U23 team
Valdez has been the primary source of offense for coach Roger Gorayeb’s squad — scoring 15 and 16 points, respectively, in the losses to Japan and Chinese Taipei.
This despite playing with an injured thumb, which she hurt while going for a block in their game against Kazakhstan last Saturday (May 2).
“In this tournament, yung thumb niya is just hanging there… just taped. But look at her play, she gives her best shot every game,” Ravena said.
Read: Philippines falls to Chinese Taipei in four sets
The lone setter
Another player that has been impressive is setter Jia Morado.
According to Ravena, Morado has contributed a lot for the national team in the Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship.
“Jia Morado really sacrificed a lot in this tournament,” said Ravena. “She’s the lone setter for this team… the only setter in practice and in all their games.”
In Philippines’ setback to Chinese Taipei, Morado chipped in seven points —which is unlikely for a setter.
“I really saw her games in this tournament, she really adjusted with her delays. Now she’s trying to get some points, because she knows she has to get some points,” added Ravena.
“She’s such a steady setter, and such a mature player for her age.”
Photos: Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei (Asian U23 Volleyball Championship)
