PVF announces national team lineups

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) announced on Friday, October 17, the lineups for the women’s and men’s national volleyball teams that will be sent to compete abroad in international volleyball competitions.

Coach by multiple-time UAAP champion and DLSU Lady Spikers head coach Ramil De Jesus, the 18 rosters members for the women’s team includes La Salle trio Kim Fajardo, Ara Galang, and Mika Reyes, while Ateneo Lady Eagle standouts Alyssa Valdez and Dennise Lazaro made the cut as well.

Towering twins Dindin and Jaja Santiago were added to the national team as well along with former collegiate volleyball stars like Tina Salak, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jen Reyes, Liz Pantone, Honey Rose Tubino, Aiza Maizo, Maika Ortiz, and Rhea Dimaculangan. 

Three-time Philippine SuperLiga champions Mary Jean Balse, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Nerissa Bautista round up the rest of the team, which has yet to choose a name. 

In the men’s side, UAAP Season 76 men’s volleyball MVP Marck Espejo of Ateneo leads the club along with the talented Peter Torres and Ranran Abdilla. 

Mark Alfafara of UST, John Guzman of CSB, and Paolo De Ocampo of FEU are some college standouts that will also represent the country’s flag in international men’s volleyball competition. 

Rounding up the rest of the team are Reyson Fuentes, JR Labrador, Jessie Lopez, Jeff Malabanan, Vinz Mangulabnan, Sandy Montero, Howard Mojico, Raffy Mosuela, Henry Pecana, Jayson Ramos, JP Torres, and Kheeno Franco.

The men’s team will be coached by UST’s Odjie Mamon.

The two teams are expected to participate in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, ending a 10-year stretch where the Philippines has not participated in volleyball competitions in the tournament.

Coach De Jesus and his team are also hoping to do well in the Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championship that will be hosted by the Philippine Volleyball Federations in May 2015. – Rappler.com