NU Lady Bulldogs. Photo by August Dela Cruz/INQUIRER
Five players from champion National University will banner the Philippine volleyball team set to compete in the Southeast Asian qualification tournament from June 14 to 16 in Quang Tri, Vietnam.
Most Valuable Player Dindin Santiago and Finals MVP Rubie de Leon, who recently powered the Lady Bulldogs’ title romp in the Shakey’s V-League, head the star-studded selection that also includes teammates Myla Pablo, Jennylyn Reyes and Jaja Santiago.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) had tapped Sports Vision Management Group Inc., the V-League organizer, to form the squad after the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) declined to send a team to the event serving as a qualifier to the Asian Zonals.
“The only way to develop in any kind of sports is to participate and organize international competitions,” Shanrit Wongprasert of Thailand, the vice president representing the South East Asian Zone in Asian volleyball, said in a letter sent to the POC recently.
“[The Asian Volleyball Federation] is very disappointed with the present board of the PVF,” Shanrit added.
Other members of the team are Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez, UST’s Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan, Adamson’s Pau Soriano, Iari Yong and Suzanne Roces.