WHAT better way to celebrate the 10th year of the Shakey’s V-League than for fans to have a chance to meet and play with the volleyball stars?
Come Nov. 16 and 17 at San Juan Arena, the league that began quietly in a Lyceum gym a decade ago and helped re-ignite the local volleyball scene, holds an All-Star weekend where fans will mingle with their favorite players and watch them play in an exhibition game that offers engaging team-ups and combinations.
On the first day and for a reasonable fee, participants can join a V-League camp run by the players. Basic skills like digging, setting, spiking and serving will be taught to all comers, regardless of age or gender. This will definitely be a thrill for young players as they get tips from the idols they admire. It isn’t everyday you can rub elbows and actually play with the athletes you usually just see on TV.
Then on the second day, fans and players engage in skills games that will test their individual mettle. These include dig relays, rapid-fire digs and setting challenges. The competitive nature will surely kick in but a ton of laughs is expected as well as the point is really to have fun. A meet-and-greet session with the V-League stars will also be part of the program. In this Facebook and social media generation, there’s nothing like having photos with your sport’s idols to share with friends.
The main serving on the second day is the All-Star Game where Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar and Smart Maynilad mentor Roger Gorayeb will handle the two squads. Scheduled to play for one side are Judy Caballejo, Fille Cainglet, Gretchen Soltones, Alyssa Valdez, Maika Ortiz, Aleona Denise Santiago, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jem Ferrer, Ma. Paulina Soriano, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Jennelyn Reyes.
The other side has the following lined up: Michelle Carolino, Rachel Ann Daquis, Angeli Tabaquero, Mary Jean Balse, Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, Tina Salak, Rubie de Leon, Charo Soriano, Aiza Maizo, Angelique Dionela and Suzanne Roces.
There might not be that many opportunities to practice for the two sides, but having played alongside and against each other through the years should give the players a fair idea of how each one performs. The setters should be a delight to watch as they distribute the ball, giving each spiker their preferred height and speed for sets. The tosser will be the key player here and it will be up to her to give each star a chance to shine.
Floor defense might be a problem as this takes time to get down pat. Regular teams go through a lot of practice hours just to nail this aspect of the game. It’s not enough that blocks are erected; there has to be ample floor support to keep kills alive. However, the liberos should more than adequately fill up some of the gaps. Two of the best in the game today—Jen Reyes and Jek Dionela—are not the type to allow the ball to simply drop that easily.
Expect a full house when the league’s stars and fans come together to mark the decade. Whereas before only friends, family and significant others would religiously watch volleyball games, today this has been transformed by the league as genuine fans follow the tournament live, on TV and on-line. They wait for the stars to emerge from the locker rooms after the games to have pictures taken and get autographs. It’s never easy to get out of the arena any more.
Such a turnaround deserves an All-Star celebration.