PVL: UE pair, veteran players banner Capital1 debut roster

Newest PVL team Capital1 Power Spikers. –HANDOUT PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of the East pair Ja Lana and Jel Quizon are turning pro, bannering the mix of young guns and veterans for Capital1’s debut in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, which opens on February 20.

The spiker-and-setter tandem will no longer be part of the UE Lady Red Warriors’ campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament as the Capital1 Solar Spikers listed Lana and Quizon as part of their initial lineup for PVL.

Lana and Quizon will be teaming up with veteran players Heather Guino-o, who played for Far Eastern University and several PVL clubs, and Jannine Navarro, a former NCAA champion out of College of Saint Benilde.

READ: PVL buys into Capital1’s vision of building competitive team

Returning PVL coach Roger Gorayeb is also banking on Arianne Layug, who was part of Chery Tiggo’s maiden PVL title in the 2021 bubble tournament in Ilocos Norte, and his long-time players Jorelle Singh and Kath Villegas.

“Gutom sa playing time ang mga iyan, so they have this great desire to win games. Abangan niyo na lang sila,” said Gorayeb, who last coached in the PVL three years ago.

Other members of the team are Rovie Instrella, Renesa Melgar, Sydney Niegos, Lourdes Clemente, Shyra Umandal, Cathrina Dizon, May Macatuno, Rica Rivera, and Bingle Landicho, as five more players, including three veterans, could be part of the Solar Spikers’ pro debut.

READ: PVL: Roger Gorayeb grateful for Capital1 owners’ trust, support

Owners Mandy and Milka Romero believe their players will make the most of the opportunity to show their worth and prove that the Solar Spikers belong to the PVL.

“This will be a good opportunity for them to shine and be recognized so we are giving our all-out support to the team,” said Mandy, who heads the family-owned solar energy company. “My sister and I are hoping we can grow together in support of Philippine sports, especially volleyball.”

“We are not in a hurry, we take it one step at a time until we build a winning culture. That’s our goal,” Milka added.