Army to represent Philippines in a volleyball invitational here

MANILA—After proving its worth in the V-League, the Philippine Army gets to test its strength in the international level.

The newly-crowned Shakey’s V-League champions will represent the country in a five-nation invitational tournament next month at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers, who swept the San Sebastian Lady Stags, 2-0, in the Open Conference finals last Thursday, will face the best club teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand in the October

MVP. Shakey's V-League Season 8 Finals MVP Rachelle Ann Daquis from Philippine Army squad.

25 to 30 event.

“Army has proven its the best club team,” said Moying Martelino, chair of Sports Vision, which is organizing the V-League and the invitational tournament.

“But the international tournament will really gauge the level of the team.”

Martelino said they shelved plans to hold the tournament last year, fearing that teams will reject the invitation because of the hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand .

Army coach Rico De Guzman is bracing for a tougher grind in the five-nation event.

The five teams will play in a single-round with the top four squads making the semifinals.

De Guzman said he plans to tap reinforcements like Suzanne Roces, who played for the Philippine Navy in the recent conference,  to beef up the squad.

The Philippines will actually be represented by the core of the national team as veteran setter Tina Salak, attackers Marietta and Michelle Carolino and Mary Jean Balse also banner Army’s bid.

Rachel Anne Daquis, the Most Valuable Player of the finals, will also be back to power Army, together with libero Jen Reyes and veteran Joanne Bunag.

“We want to represent the country well in this tournament,” said De Guzman, whose side overcame a San Sebastian squad that was powered by Thai import Jeng Bualee and 6-foot-2 American Lauren Ford.