Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) – More than 100 volleyball athletes, with a mixture of youngsters and veterans, have been invited to try out for the national team in a bubble set up in Subic, Zambales on April 28 to 30, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) revealed on Wednesday.
“The PNVF is currently prioritizing its elite/high-performance initiatives through the National Team Commission,” Suzara said. “The national team will be focusing on the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi in December.”
A letter sent to the athletes said they would be required to undergo COVID-19 testing and an isolation period before heading to Subic.
National coaches Arthur “Odjie” Mamon (women’s indoor) Dante Alinsunurin (men’s indoor), Paul Jan Doloiras (women’s beach volleyball) and Rhovyl Verayo (men’s beach volleyball) will supervise the tryouts.
“These tryouts are needed in order for the athletes to be at their optimal condition prior to key competition events this year,” Suzara said.
The national squads last saw action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games held in the country where the men’s indoor team clinched a historic silver medal, while the men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams both secured bronze medals. The women’s indoor team, however, failed to reach the podium in its winless campaign.
Here’s the list of invitees:
Women’s Indoor Volleyball
Setters – Rhea Dimaculangan (PLDT), Kim Fajardo (F2 Logistics), Alohi Robins (Cignal HD), Jia Morado (Creamline), Jasmine Nabor (Chery Tiggo), Kamille Cal (NU).
Outside Hitters – Alyssa Valdez (Creamline), Myla Pablo (PetroGazz), Kalei Mau (F2 Logistics), Ces Molina (PetroGazz), Kat Tolentino (Choco Mucho), Faith Nisperos (Ateneo), Ivy Lacsina (NU), Michaela Belen (NU), Angel Canino (DLSU).
Opposite – Jovelyn Gonzaga (Army), Mylene Paat (Chery Tiggo), Dindin Santiago (Chery Tiggo), MJ Philips (Sta. Lucia), Kim Kianna Dy (F2 Logistics), Eya Laure (UST/Chery Tiggo), Alyssa Solomon (NU), Alleliah Malaluan (DLSU).
Middle Blockers – Aby Maraño (F2 Logistics), Risa Sato (Creamline), Jaja Santiago (Chery Tiggo/Ageo Medics), Majoy Baron (F2 Logistics), Dell Palomata (Air Force), Ria Meneses (PetroGazz), Bea de Leon (Choco Mucho), Maddie Madayag (Choco Mucho), Marist Layug (PLDT), Imee Hernandez (UST), Thea Gagate (DLSU), Lorene Toring (AdU).
Libero – Dennise Lazaro (Choco Mucho), Dawn Macandili (F2 Logistics), Kath Arado (PetroGazz), Jennifer Nierva (NU), Bernadette Pepito (UST).
Men’s Indoor Volleyball
Setters – Jessie Lopez (Air Force), Kim Dayadante (Go for Gold), Ish Polvorosa (Cignal), Josh Retamar (NU/Sta. Elena).
Outside Hitters – Mark Alfafara (PLDT), Marck Espejo (Cignal), Dan Aldrin Garnica (USPF), Bryan Bagunas (Go for Gold), Alden Dave Cabaron (SWU), John Ashley Jacob (University of Mindanao-Davao), Nico Almendras (NU/Sta. Elena), Noel Kampton (DLSU), Leo Aringo (NU), Louie Ramirez (Perpetual), Alche Gupiteo (UST), Jian Matthew Salarzon (Bacolod), Jomar Candelario (UB).
Opposite – John Vic de Guzman (PLDT), Ysay Marasigan (Cignal), Mark Enciso (IEM), Joeven dela Vega (Navy), Jao Umandal (PLDT), Banjo Mondero (NU/Sta. Elena), John Mark Ronquillo (DLSU), Leodie Vitente (SLU).
Women’s Beach Volleyball
Sisi Rondina (Creamline), Bernadeth Pons (Creamline), Dij Rodriguez (Creamline), Dzi Gervacio (Creamline), Alexa Polidario (Abanse Negrense), Babylove Barbon (UST), Jackie Estoquia (Sta. Lucia), Milena Alessandrini (UST), DM Demontaño (Sta. Lucia), Princess Robles (NU), Honey Grace Cabansay (UST), Jennifer Cosas (Abanse Negrense), Jovelyn Gonzaga (Army), Jozza Cabalsa (Air Force), Mylene Paat (Chery Tiggo), Jannine Navarro (Chery Tiggo), Tin Tiamzon (F2 Logistics), Javen Sabas (PUP), Gen Eslapor (UST), Mer Jauculan (UST).
Men’s Beach Volleyball
Jude Garcia (Creamline), Jaron Requinton (Creamline), Anthony Arbasto (Creamline), Edwin Tolentino (Air Force), Ranran Abdilla (Creamline), Ronald Umang-it (Mapua), Joven Camaganakan (IEM), AJ Pareja (Creamline), Jade Becaldo (Cebu), Calvin Sarte (Davao), James Pecaña (PLDT), Jason Uy (Army), Greg Dolor (Navy), Philip Bagalay (Creamline), KR Guzman (General Santos), Joshua Miña (EAC), Reuben Inaudito (Air Force), Kurl Rosete (Navy), James Buytrago (Creamline).
The tryouts are divided into three sessions, with the first and second day reserved for the women’s and men’s indoor teams while the third day will be for beach volleyball teams.
PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said there would be “no exemptions” as both senior and up-and-coming players will need to attend the tryouts to earn their spots.
