Valdez, Reyes, Fajardo lead PH national volleyball team pool

MANILA, Philippines – A host of the country’s biggest women’s volleyball stars are teaming up as members of the 2017 Philippine national team pool, which was announced on Tuesday, March 14, at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

Former UAAP stars Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes, from Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, respectively, lead the 25-woman pool of coach Francis Vicente.

“I’m blessed to be selected to the national team again. It’s always been an honor to represent the country and I hope to make the final cut,” Valdez, who currently plays for Thai team 3BB, said in a statement.

“I’m so thankful to be part of this team, alongside the experienced, skilled, talented and hardworking players. We’re hoping for your prayers and support!”

Other collegiate names on the list include setter Kim Fajardo plus Jaja Santiago, Dindin Manabat, Aby Maraño, and Myla Pablo.

Teams will be formed from the pool to compete in the Southeast Asian Games by August this year, as well as in the Asian U-23 and Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship in August.

See the full list of pool members below:

1. Alyssa Valdez
2. Mika Reyes
3. Jaja Santiago
4. Aby Maraño
5. Dindin Manabat
6. Lourdes Clemente
7. Gen Casugod
8. Maika Ortiz
9. Marivic Meneses
10. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas
11. Myla Pablo
12. Elaine Kasilag
13. Gretchel Soltones
14. Roselle Baliton
15. Rhea Dimaculangan
16. Kim Fajardo
17. Denden Lazaro
18. Bia General
19. Kath Arado
20. Kim Dy
21. Dawn Macandili
22. Kat Tolentino
23. Maddie Madayag
24. Rachel Anne Daquis
25. Jovelyn Gonzaga

Also announced was the pool for the men’s team.

1. Mark Deximo
2. Relan Taneo
3. John Kenneth Sarcena
4. Geuel Asia
5. Rey Taneo
6. John Vic de Guzman
7. Howard Mojica
8. Alnakran Abdilla
9. Mark Alfafara
10. Dave Cabaron
11. Peter Torres
12. Lorenzo Capate
13. Bonjomar Castel
14. Reyson Fuentes
15. Herschel Ramos
16. Louwie Chaves
17. Jack Kalingking
18. John Paul Bugaoan
19. John Carascal
20. Eddiemar Kasim
21. Esmail Kasim
22. Pete John Quiel
23. Anjo Pertiera
24. Erickson Ramos
25. Jeff Malabanan

– Rappler.com