Volleyball seeks more star power

The newly formed national women’s volleyball team will start training for the Asian U23 championship only on April 6 to give time to those who still want to be part of the team.

Sammy Acaylar, one of the national coaches, said the team’s first practice will be held at Blue Eagle gym in Loyola Heights following a decision by the Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas board headed by president Joey Romasanta.

Aside from the Asian U23, set here on May 1 to 9 here, the nationals will also prepare for the Southeast Asian Games on June 5 to 16 in Singapore.

Acaylar said the LVPI is hoping that over the next two weeks “other players would think it over and join us,” in keeping with the association’s stand to be “inclusive and not exclusive,” especially for players identified with the previous national volleyball body.

Some of the players who are affiliated with the now delisted Philippine Volleyball Federation are Jovelyn Gonzaga and Maika Ortiz, and La Salle player Mika Reyes.

Romasanta said the team will train in Japan in April to quickly get the feel of playing together.

The pool is composed of the hottest players in the country, including Aby Maraño, Alyssa Valdez, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago.