Volley stars join tryouts, but…

The stars showed up Saturday at Arellano gym in Pasay for the national volleyball team tryouts but head coach Francis Vicente was not satisfied.

“I have a wish list and a dream lineup in mind,” said Vicente, as 37 club league and collegiate players, all free of school and previous commitments, joined the session.

“I respect the other coaches’ concerns regarding commitment with their schools,” he added. “But we are talking about the national team here.”

Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aby Maraño, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jaja Santiago, Dindin Manabat, Mika Reyes, Michele Gumabao, Denden Lazaro and Myla Pablo joined a host of young players aspiring for national team slots.

Santiago came in plain clothes due to her commitment with National University while three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez could not fly back from Thailand, where she plays as import.

University of Santo Tomas’ Cherry Rondina topped the speed test, nailing the shuttle run in 13 seconds.

The tryout caravan will go to Cebu and Davao next month. —MARC REYES