Ateneo and Perpetual clash today in a battle of fancied teams in Group A of the Shakey’s V-League volleyball tournament, with the Lady Eagles hoping baby-faced veteran Phee Nok Kesinee anew leads the defending champions to a third straight victory.
The 31-year-old Kesinee is in her third stint with the Lady Eagles and the Thai import, who plays professionally in her home country and in Australia, has already made her mark with two conference MVPs under her belt.
“She knows our system and there is nothing more I can ask from her,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb.
Local volleyball fans have dubbed Kesinee the “The Queen of All Thai Imports,” something that she finds very amusing.
“(I have) many fans here (in the Philippines). They still want to see me play volleyball here and it feels good,” said Kesinee.
Kesinee will spearhead Ateneo against Perpetual, another school tipped to rule the V-League’s first conference. The Lady Altas, who will be powered by another Thai import in Pornpimol Kunbang, face the Lady Eagles at 6 p.m.
National U battles Southwestern U at 2 p.m. while Letran faces University of St. La Salle at 4 p.m. All games are at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Team captain Gretchen Ho noted that the Kesinee gives Ateneo a bigger chance to bag their second V-League championship.
“(Kesinee) provides much needed leadership to our team. She anchors our team’s defense with her blocking,” said Ho, who will provide ample backup along with Fille Cainglet, Alyssa Valdez, and Dzi Gervacio.
“My teammates are really good and I am very happy that I am helping them with their game,” Kesinee said.