Mika Reyes completes cast of golden ticket holders for FIVB tiff

MANILA, Philippines – Mika Reyes of F2 Logistics formally became the seventh member of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Star team that will compete in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena from October 18 to 23.

Reyes, a 22-year old middle blocker and incumbent league ambassador, was given the golden ticket by PSL president Ramon Suzara prior to their PSL All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball tournament match against Petron Thursday at the La Salle Lipa Sentrum.

Suzara said Reyes’ tough defense and winning attitude made it easier for them to include her in the seven-man roster that will be powered by seven imports and, possibly, a foreign mentor.

“She’s a proven winner having won three titles for De La Salle University in the UAAP,” said Suzara, a ranking executive council member of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC).

“Aside from that, she is a very good defender who doesn’t get intimidated against taller, heftier opponents.  We expect her to give her best and help the team in coming up with a respectable finish in this historic tournament.”

Prior to Reyes, already selected were Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army, Jen Reyes and Ces Molina of Petron, Jaja Santiago of Foton and Kim Fajardo of F2 Logistics.

They will be up against a very powerful cast of competitors led by South American powerhouse Rexona Ades of Brazil, Asian supremo Bangkok Glass of Thailand and European sensation Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy.

Also seeing action are wildcard bets Hisamitsu Springs of Japan, Volero Zurich of Switzerland, and VakifBank Istanbul and Eczacibasi VitrA of Turkey.

“This is a very tough field,” Suzara added. “We hope that Mika’s inclusion will bolster our chances against the best club teams in the world.”

The PSL All-Star team will open its campaign against Rexona Ades of Brazil on Oct. 18 before taking a one-day break. Then, the Filipinas will return to action on Oct 20 against Pomi Casalmaggiore before squaring off with Eczacibasi VitrA of Italy on October 21.