(CNN Philippines) — The national team played impressive volleyball by placing seventh in the Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championship (AVC), showing a lot of heart against tough opponents like China, Chinese Taipei, and Japan.
But Gretchen Ho believes the Philippines still has a long way to go.
“They’re a strong team,” said Ho, “They do, however, have a lot to work on compared to the other teams, but I think in general it’s representative of the Philippines because we have so much to work on in terms of our grassroots programs.”
Related: Philippines closes tournament on winning note, takes 7th place
The under-23 team which competed in the AVC is the first Philippine squad to play in an international tournament in over a decade, but has turned a lot of heads with their resilient style of play.
“They’re doing really well and they’re fighting really with a big heart. Puso talaga,” Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, who currently plays for the Petron Blaze Spikers in the Philippine SuperLiga, said of their performance.
Ho echoed the sentiments of her former Ateneo teammate.
“Masasabi ko na we’re doing a good job in this tournament,” said Ho. “We’re showing that we can be at par with them.”
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‘Kulang tayo ng exposure’
After finally seeing a national team compete in an international tournament, Ho and Cainglet-Cayetano hope the Philippine squad can get more exposure playing against other countries in the near future.
“If you look at the other countries like China, Japan, sobrang ganda ng skill sets nila and ang ganda ng galaw,” said Cainglet-Cayetano. “Ang wish ko na sana tayo rin madevelop natin yun unti-unti as long as we can compete outside of the country.”
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According to Ho, gaining international experience can help develop the players.
“Meron tayo mga lapses na we can take care of as experience goes. So kulang lang tayo ng exposure and this is a very good first step for us,” said Ho.
Nevertheless, Ho is thrilled that the Philippines is finally hosting and participating in an international competition for the first time since the 2005 South East Asian Games.
