RP Youth tossers open stint vs Aussies in Asian tourney

Cebuanos get the chance to witness top-notch volleyball as the Asian Youth Girls Championship fires off today with nine countries vying for top honors, including berths in the Under-18 World Championships, at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex in Cebu.

Host Philippines takes on fancied Australia in the 1 p.m. opener, hoping to come out strong against its taller counterparts and set in motion its bid for a respectable finish here after the RP men’s team failed to make the grade in the recent World Championships qualifiers.

"They are very determined to win. We may have the disadvantage in terms of height, but we have other means to win a game– the home court advantage, youth as well as being physically fit and riding high on morale," RP mentor Sammy Acaylar said.

Composing the RP squad are Bangladesh Pantaleon of Letran, San Sebastian’s Rysabelle Devanadera and Charise Ancheta, Miriam’s Ivana Agbayani and Carmina Barcelon, St. Brigette’s Stephanie Mercado, Pasay City High School’s Melissa Mirasol, Imus Institute’s Jacqueline Alarca, RTU’s Roxanne Domines, Iloilo’s Princess Pido and two Cebuanas – Genie Sabas and Michelle Simbajon – both from the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

The Philippines is bracketed in Group A together with Japan, India and Australia while Korea, Chinese-Taipei, Vietnam, Thailand and China make up the tough Group B.

At stake are slots to the U-18 World Championships slated July 23-31 in Macau, China.

The city government of Mandaue under Mayor Thadeo Ouano has reportedly spent P4 million to ensure the successful staging of the week-long event, including P1.5 million for the renovation of the Mandaue gym.

New lights, which cost P565,000, and air-condition units worth P400,000 were installed in the 7,000-capacity gym to meet the FIVB standards. Other repairs included wall repainting and renovation of dressing rooms and toilets in event organized by the Philippine Volleyball Federation and sanctioned by the Asian Volleyball Federation.