Valdez, Maraño lead ‘best possible’ PH volleyball team for SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines is fielding its “best possible team” for the Southeast Asian Games based on experience, skill and potential.

Regulars Alyssa Valdez and Aby Maraño will join powerful Fil-American Kalei Mau and novices Eya Laure and Maddie Madayag in the official lineup for the SEA Games which will be held in the country on Nov. 30-Dec. 11.

“This is the best possible team we can come up with at the moment,” said national coach Shaq delos Santos.

“I have a strong faith in this lineup, and with the short time we spent in training camp and Asian Grand Prix I know they will have that winning attitude with them.”

The rest of the team are setters Rhea Dimaculangan and Jia Morado, open spiker Ces Molina, opposite spikers Jovelyn Gonzaga, Mylene Paat, middle blockers Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron and liberos Dawn Macandili and Kath Arado.

However, the team will miss towering sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat who are currently playing in the Japanese V-League.

The much-anticipated volleyball competitions will be held starting Nov. 28 at Philsports Arena in Pasig with Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam expected to see action.

The country bagged bronzes in the two legs of the Asean Grand Prix held recently in Thailand and the Philippines.

The Filipinas, now enjoying popularity like never before, are hoping to finish on the podium for the first time since the 2005 Philippines edition.

Together they fly to Japan for training camp on Oct. 20 to Nov. 2.