Reyes, Valdez say team needs chemistry

Philippine volleyball team captain Mika Reyes and college rival Alyssa Valdez agreed on the need to work on their chemistry.

On the first day of practice after the final roster was announced, the Nationals worked on their drills and combination plays that Reyes said “would really require knowing each other well.”

Also present in the morning practice at Arellano University were Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Gen Casugod, Kim Fajardo, Denden Lazaro, Aby Maraño, Rhea Dimaculangan, Aiza Pontillas and pool member Ria Meneses.

Jaja Santiago missed the training because she was practicing with National University, while Rachel Anne Daquis was absent for personal reasons.

“It’s still a long process because we rarely get a complete team. But we really try to train despite the busy schedule with our clubs,” said Reyes. “We need to see each other. There can’t be a no-practice week.”

Valdez added: “It’s a nice way of training because right now we are working on team plays. But there’s a need to jell with one another.”

Valdez missed the team’s participation in the Asian Clubs in Kazakhstan, but the 23-year-old star said she looks forward to more training abroad with the team before flying to the SEA Games.