Daquis, Gonzaga head national volley team

Games Sunday (The Arena, San Juan)

3:30 p.m. – Foton vs F2 Logistics

5:30 p.m. – Standard vs Amy’s

MANILA, Philippines - Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga were named the first two members of the Philippine Superliga team that will compete in the FIVB World Club Women’s Championship in Manila from Oct. 18 to 23.

Daquis and Gonzaga have been tapped for their talent and impressive performance during the tryout last week. They will be formally presented to the media in the tournament’s official launch on July 12.

“Rachel and Jovelyn are two of the country’s best players,” said Ramon Suzara, chairman of the marketing and development committee of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and a member of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

The next three players will be named in the next few games while the seven other spots will be reserved for the imports in the event that will feature Brazil’s Rexona Ades, Bangkok Glass, Volero Zurich, Japan’s Hisamitsu Springs, Istanbul’s Eczacibasi Vitra and VakigBank Istanbul and Italy’s Pomi Casalmaggiore.

Meanwhile, F2 Logistics continued to draw strength from its crack rookies and former La Salle stars as it overpowered Generika, 25-12, 25-16, 25-18, yesterday to remain unscathed in the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Ara Galang, this year’s top overall draft pick, uncorked 11 hits, including 10 kills, while Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo and Kim Dy combined for 23 points as the Cargo Movers rolled past the Life Savers to chalk up their third straight win.

Fajardo did not only dish out 25 excellent sets but also chipped in eight hits, including four aces.

F2 coach Ramil de Jesus, however, said he was more concerned on veterans Aby Maraño and Cha Cruz, who were still trying to adjust with his talented rookies.

“Cha (Cruz) is still trying to regain her old form while Aby (Marano) is still adjusting with our setter,” said de Jesus.

The Life Savers fell to 1-3.

Meanwhile, RC Cola-Army also swept Standard Insurance-Navy, 25-23, 25-19, 25-14, to gain a share of the lead at 3-0.

Gonzaga delivered eight kills, two blocks and three aces to finish with 13 points while Honey Royse Tubino and Jessey de Leon had nine points apiece for the Lady Troopers, who joined the F2 Logistics and Petron sides on top.

 Pau Soriano scored 11 points for the Corvettes, who absorbed their second setback.