PH volleybelles joining Vietnam VTV tourney

The Philippines hopes to field the core of its popular Southeast Asian Games women’s team in the prestigious VTV Invitational volleyball championships on July 25 to Aug. 1 in Bac Lieu, Vietnam.

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas president Joey Romasanta Wednesday said the LVPI board has unanimously agreed to send a squad in the top level club tournaments where top teams from Korea, Japan, Thailand, China and Kazakhstan are expected to join.

He said the Vietnam organizers has invited the Philippines because of the “skill level of the players, and their crowd-drawing capabilities.”

But while stars like Alyssa Valdez, Dindin Manabat, Rachel Daquis and Aby Marano are shoo-ins for the PH squad, their participation hinges on their availability which  LVPI secretary general Ricky Palou is trying to determine so far.

Sources said some key players have earlier commitments and others are recuperating from injuries. Libero Denden Lazaro, for one, is not expected to return due to her studies at medical school.

Ateneo Thai coach Tai Bundit was named head mentor of the national women’s team. The mentor, who steered the Lady Blue Eagles to back-to-back UAAP titles, is presently in Thailand on vacation. He will be given free rein to choose his staff.

Romasanta said the Philippine team to the SEAG generated enough attention that Singapore volleyball officials have invited them to another club tourney.

The VTV championship is a major club tourney in the circuit where regional powers converge. It reportedly dangles a total cash pot of $43,200 with the champion getting $15,000.