Hard part begins as volleyball officials name women’s, men’s pool

The national women’s volleyball pool has been announced. Now here comes the hard part: Selecting the Final 12.

“The biggest challenge is to choose the final 12 from the all-star cast,” said Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas president Joey Romasanta. “The pressure is on the coaching staff and the system.”

Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes, the most popular players of the sport, led the list of the 25-strong pool from which the national team will be culled.

“Really blessed to be part of the pool but it doesn’t stop there,” said the Bangkok-based Valdez. “I have to work harder to earn a spot on the team.”

By May—after a planned twice-a-day training and road tour—the final 12 will be known.

“Almost all of them are superstars and multiawarded players, but we have many considerations, like height, experience and youth,” said head coach Francis Vicente.

He said those who won’t make it to the final 12 for the Southeast Asian Games on Aug. 19 to 31 might still be tapped for two other tournaments.

Expected to make the Final 12 for outside spikers are superstars Valdez, Myla Pablo, Dindin Manabat and Rachel Daquis.

For opposite hitters, the lead candidates include Aiza Maizo Pontillas, 6-foot-5 Jaja Santiago and lefty Jovelyn Gonzaga.

For middle hitters, the top choices are Reyes, Maika Ortiz, Ria Meneses and Gen Casugod.

Setters likely to be tabbed are Kim Fajardo and Rhea Dimaculangan. The libero spot is expected to go to Denden Lazaro.

The pool announced during Tuesday’s PSA Forum also includes Aby Maraño, Ateneo’s Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino and La Salle’s Kim Dy. Joining them are Dawn Macandili of La Salle, Lourdes Clemente of Perpetual, Bia General of Generika, Roselle Baliton and Kath Arado of University of the East, Elaine Kasilag, and Grethcel Soltones of San Sebastian.

The men’s team pool, named by coach Sammy Acaylar, includes Mark Deximo, Relan Taneo, John Kenneth Sarcena, Geuel Asia, Rey Taneo, Johnvic de Guzman, Alnakran Abdilla, Howard Mojica, Mark Alfafara, Dave Cabaron, Peter Torres, Lorenzo Capate, Bonjomar Castel, Reyson Fuentes, Herschel Ramos, Louwie Chaves, Jack Kalingking, John Paul Bugaoan, Eddiemar Kasim, Esmail Kasim, Pete John Quiel, Anjo Pertiera, Erickson Ramos and Jeff Malabanan.