Volleybelles off to Thailand for Asian tourney

After its eighth place finish in the Asian Games, the national women’s volleyball team, slowly recovering from decades of neglect, struts its wares in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup that starts on Sunday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The Nationals left for Bangkok Friday in the midst of Typhoon “Ompong’s” landfall in the Philippines.

Alyssa Valdez, Mika Reyes and team captain Aby Maraño will power the squad boosted by new faces from club leagues like Grethcel Soltones, Jema Galanza and Melissa Gohing.

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas president Peter Cayco said the Asian Cup campaign is part of their build up for the Southeast Asian Games next year, when it hopes to finish in the podium for the first time since 2005.

“Very strong teams are entered in this tournament. Top teams in Asia,” said Cayco, “We almost have the same cast as Asian Games. This will be a good chance for the national team to continue to hone their skills.”

The Philippines is bunched with Australia, Iran and Kazakhstan in Pool C. The country needs to win at least twice to make the quarterfinals of the 10-nation meet.

Also in the roster are Cha Cruz, Jia Morado, Mylene Paat, Maika Ortiz, Denden Lazaro, Risa Sato, Jasmine Nabor and veteran Aiza Maizo.

The Philippines open against Australia on Sept. 16.