ROMY HOMILLADA
Fresh talents may emerge as Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) brings its national team tryouts to the provinces.
LVPI acting president Pete Cayco said the coaching staff will head to Cebu and Davao with a video crew to search for players with potential to don the national colors starting next month.
“As much as possible we want young players because they will serve as foundation of the team,” said Cayco, who recently named Generika mentor Francis Vicente as head coach of the Philippine women’s team.
LVPI also announced that former Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar will handle the men’s team.
Cayco said six veterans, six new players and four reserves will likely form the national women’s pool.
He said there will be no shoo-ins and everybody has to undergo the process, including the famed “Magnificent Seven” who played for PSL-Manila in last year’s FIVB Women’s Club Championships.
That bunch include certified stars Jaja Santiago, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Mika Reyes, Jen Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Rachel Anne Daquis and Ces Molina.
Also expected to gun for slots are Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, Michele Gumabao, Dindin Manabat, Cherry Rondina, EJ Laure, Dawn Macandili and Aby Maraño.
“We can’t go at it without veterans in the team,” said Cayco. “They have the experience and they are expected to lead the team.”
Once the Cebu and Davao tryouts are finished, the Manila leg will start at Arellano University in Pasay City.