LVPI bares Philippine SEAG volleyball pool

MANILA, Philippines – Putting premium on the future, the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. tapped six collegiate stars and three young Filipino-American talents to power the national women’s volleyball team in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Collegiate stars Kath Arado of University of the East, Eya Laure of University of Santo Tomas, Tots Carlos of University of the Philippines and Celine Domingo, Angel Cayuna and Jerili Malabanan of Far Eastern University will be on board to serve as understudies of the seniors in the buildup for the SEA Games.

Also tapped are Kalei Mau and Alohi Robins-Hardy of United VC and MJ Philips of Sta. Lucia, giving the squad the firepower it needs for the prestigious biennial meet at the Philsports Arena from November 30 to December 10.

LVPI unveils national pool@JCManicad @TribuneSportsPh pic.twitter.com/7qgHVlrxjH

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) March 8, 2019

But leading the squad is Aby Marano together with seasoned international campaigners Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago and Alyssa Valdez while Major Baron, Denden Lazaro, Dawn Macandili, Frances Molina, Julia Morado, Mylene Paat, Jema Galanza, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Dindin Manabat will all return for another grueling battle after representing the country in the 18th Asian Games last year.

Shaq Delos Santos will return as head coach with Kungfu Reyes and Brian Esquibel as his deputies.

LVPI president Peter Cayco said building for the future is their main priority.

“This is a long program that aims to give the country its old glory in Southeast Asian volleyball,” said Cayco, who is looking to win a SEA Games medal for the first time since 2005.

“Having these young stars only shows the deep bench of talents that we have. We have to invest in these young players and give them the training and all the exposures they need.”

Also presented were the members of the Under-23 women’s team and the men’s national team.

Leading the pack are high school sensations Angel Canino, Alleiah Malaluan and Faith Nisperos, who are all regarded as future of Philippine volleyball.

They will be joined by collegiate standouts Judith Abil, Ivana Agudo, Justine Dorog, Ria Duremdes, Alexis Miner, Roselyn Rosier, Alina Bicar, Lyann de Guzman, Lycha Ebon, Fe Galanza, Kecelyn Galdones, Imee Hernandez, Justine Jazareno, Ysabel Jimenez, Maristela Layug, Mary Ann Mendrez, Isa Molde and Jeanette Villareal.

Reyes will serve as mentor with Tina Salak, Michael Santos and Clarence Esteban as his deputies.

In the men’s side, Johnvic de Guzman and Marck Espejo will remain as cornerstones together with veterans Mark Alfafara, Bryan Bagunas, Rex Intal, Jeffrey Malabanan, Peter Torres and Ish Polvorosa. 

Also making the cut following the selection process that was participated by around 80 players were Kim Dayadante, Joven dela Vega, Fauzi Ismail, Jack Kalingking, Kim Malabunga, Rikko Marmeto, Ricky Marcos, Francis Saura, Jayvee Sumagaysay and Joshua Umandal.

Dante Alinsunurin will serve as head coach with Dong Dela Cruz and Sherwin Meneses as his assistants.