Ranran Abdilla. BVR PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ranran Abdilla made a strong case for a spot on the national beach volleyball team for the 31st Southeast Asian Games this November.
Abdilla impressed during the recently-concluded tryouts in Subic despite coming off a long layoff from sand competition.
“I was so excited the night before the tryout. Honestly, I wasn’t even able to sleep because of my excitement. I was thinking, finally, after two years I’ll be able to step on the sand and play again. It’s good to be back on the sand court,” said Abdilla, who was paired with Pemie Bagalay in the tryout, in Filipino.
Abdilla, Creamline beach volleyball’s latest acquisition, drew high praise from no less than the team’s program director Charo Soriano.
“Ranran’s athletic prowess and court maturity will definitely elevate the roster of Creamline Beach. His teammates will greatly benefit from Ranran’s experience as he shares his learning to the youngsters,” said Soriano.
Competing for a national team spot is nothing new for the 6-foot-2 spiker, who was a member of the men’s volleyball squad that won the historic silver medal in the 2019 SEA Games.
“First thing that they’re going to look at is the discipline of the player, dedication, commitment and then skills. For me, the skills will be developed once you make the team and you won’t be picked if they didn’t see that you have potential. That’s why for me, the most important thing is discipline, dedication during training and commitment,” he said.
The 29-year-old Abdilla was signed by Creamline just last March. Before the tryouts, the last time he played beach volleyball was back in May 2019 during the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 1-Star Boracay Open.
“I’m blessed to be part of Cream beach volleyball and for their support. It’s rare for the men’s [volleyball team] to get full support and having this opportunity will be my motivation as well as my family. I won’t waste this chance.”