‘Happy’ atmosphere envelopes PH women’s volley team days before SEAG

Philippine women’s volleyball team. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Just days away from their departure for the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, head coach Roger Gorayeb and his team, caught the “happy” bug during their daily training.

Playing a few tune-up games with a local group of male volleyball players, Gorayeb’s team easily dismantled the competition, usually taking 25-20 sets.

“They’re fine, actually they are all very happy and excited for the games to start,” Gorayeb said Tuesday at Blue Eagle Gym.

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Gorayeb and his team will fly to Singapore on Thursday a few days before the volleyball competition begins.

As their departure date approaches, Gorayeb said the players are feeling good about themselves and tension hasn’t found its way to his team.

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Of the 12 players in the lineup, only Gretchel Soltones trained sparingly due to a mild injury on her right shoulder.

Soltones, a member of the Philippines Women’s Under-23 team, said she sustained the injury Tuesday morning but she is confident she’ll be able to train with the team on Wednesday.

“I’ll just have to take some meds,” Soltones said.

As Soltones rested on the sidelines, reserve player Aiza Maizo had some playing time during the tune-ups.

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For Gorayeb, his team’s “happy” attitude is very vital in their practice sessions as it helps takes out any negative thoughts that may linger on the team.

“Them being nervous? No. They’re not nervous at all,” Gorayeb said. “They’re all very happy and very excited.” CC