Alyssa Valdez returns to the lineup and leads the Philippines in scoring. —CHRIS QUINTANA/CONTRIBUTOR
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-Am Kalei Mau and novices Eya Laure and Maddie Madayag in the official lineup for the SEA Games that will be held in the country on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
“This is the best possible team we can come up with at the moment,” said national coach Shaq delos Santos. “I have 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.”
Also in the team are setters Rhea Dimaculangan and Jia Morado, open spiker Ces Molina, opposite spikers Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mylene Paat, middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron and liberos Dawn Macandili and Kath Arado.
Missing from the team are towering sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat, who weren’t able to secure releases from their mother clubs in theJapanese V-League.
The much-anticipated volleyball competitions will be held starting on Nov. 28 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig with Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam expected to see action.