Dy replaces Daquis; Branislav joining team?

La Salle’s Kim Dy. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI) has announced the retirement of top player Rachel Anne Daquis from national team duties after the star withdrew from squad that will compete in the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia due to personal reasons.

La Salle opposite spiker Kim Kiana Dy will replace her in the Philippine squad, which will compete in the SEA Games and Asian Seniors this August.

Dy will join the team in a two-week Japan training in July, according to LVPI acting president Pete Cayco and Philippine Superliga president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Sources said the LVPI is also keen on appointing Foton coach Moro Branislav as national training director to oversee the preparation of both the men’s and women’s teams.

However, LVPI has yet to get the nod of Foton management.

Suzara gave a pep talk to the members of the national squad, led by team captain Mika Reyes, Alyssa Valdez, Aby Maraño and Jaja Santiago.

“The Japan training is very important because we need to focus on floor defense and blocking,” said Suzara.

He added that the Southeast Asian Games will most likely be a “political thing,” and the Philippines could be bundled with tough teams Thailand and Vietnam in the group stage.

Host Malaysia, according to Suzara, is likely to be grouped with the likes of Brunei and Myanmar to ensure it would make the next stage.

Suzara said focus should be on the Asian Championships to be held in Biñan, Laguna. Grouped with Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, the Philippines can easily make the top 8 of the tournament and assure itself of a stint in the Asian Cup next year.