Preview: Powerhouse NCR, Western Visayas favored in girls volley

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The high school girls volleyball competition is one of the most anticipated events in the Palarong Pambansa, moreso now that the sport is rising fast when it comes to popularity in the Philippines.

Current UAAP superstars like reigning MVP Ara Galang, Best Scorer Alyssa Valdez, Pau Soriano, Gyzelle Sy, Judy Caballejo and Rookie of the Year Aiko Urdas began their journey to the top of the volleyball ladder here as high school spikers who got scouted and eventually recruited to play in the Big League.

And aside from the tougher competition that comes with the rise in volleyball fame, the 2013 Palaro is doubly exciting because a lot of college coaches consider this batch as the best since 2008, when Soriano, Caballejo, Jem Ferrer and Liss Gohing strut their wares in the annual meet.

2012 Palaro finals: Scuffle overshadows NCR volley sweep

A lot of coaches are expected to troop to the playing venues here to scout and recruit graduating players and even spikers in the lower year levels who will show immense potential of making it big in the next level.

NCR eyes back-to-back

Behind the stellar play of Palaro MVP Ana Gopico and now-Ateneo standout Marge Tejada, National Capital Region upended Western Visayas in the finals in Lingayen to give coach Grace Vita her first title in the national tourney.

Vita will not be around to defend the championship for Metro Manila but NCR will bring yet another strong contingent led by Gopico and Shakey’s Girls V-League national MVP Desiree Cheng. Known for her power-hitting and blocking, Cheng will anchor the team’s attack with Cheng providing additional firepower with her smart hitting and floor defense.

Rivals in the Manila leagues, Gopico and Cheng are teaming up this time with Kim Dy, Justine Dorog and many other talented Big City spikers to foil the challenge of an ever-improving Western Visayas crew.

Finalists in the past five years, the Region VI bets will miss the services of long-time stalwart Gizelle Tan, who is expected to succeed Ferrer as Ateneo figures in the UAAP wars in Season 76.

However, the wards of Coach Malot Lozada will still have the powerful Bernadeth Pons to lead their offense, with towering Kim Gequillana and junior Arielle Estranero giving the Bacolod-based volleybelles more weapons.

Home team ready to spoil party

Meanwhile, Central Visayas — the 2012 third-placers — will be looking to take advantage of their home court as they attempt to break into the NCR-Western Visayas finals picture.

Spearheading them are Sheena Quino and defensive gem Carmel Saga, all of whom will be relied on to spoil the party and score an upset right in their home turf.

CALABARZON and Davao Region, likewise, will be expected to add excitement and challenge to the tournament — one that will definitely elicit anticipation among the legions of volley fans throughout the country.

Region IV-A will parade Arienne Ilustre, Kath Barrinevo and Heather Guino-o while Glenda Agang will be the focal point of Region XII’s quest.- Rappler.com