Don’t marry a volleybelle

Alyssa Valdez and other standouts before and after her spiked popularity of women’s volleyball in the country, especially in the collegiate tournament. They virtually raised the level of the game, even segued to professional volleyball after graduating.

But the men remain cold, hesitant and even averse to the sport, despite the Philippine men’s team winning the silver in the last SEA Games after it stunned heavily favored Thailand. Blame it in part on the stigma the game is played by men who like men. Guilt by association. In this country, basketball is for men, volleyball is for women.

But sorry to disappoint, NBA veteran center Jason Collins came out a gay man while still active in the sport. Before him was John Amaechi, the first player associated with the world’s ultimate basketball league to come out, but after retirement. What you like to play in court has nothing to do with whom you like to play with in private.

Be that as it may, Alyssa and company are tall, fit, pretty and smart, for others a package to die for. But be warned, if you’re a cheater, never marry any of these athletic women of power and strength. Imagine if you’re caught in a compromising situation, there is no way you can sneak into solid block of Michelle Gumabao or Maddie Madayag or read cunning sets of Michelle Cobb. Some women plot a booby trap, the calm before the storm.

Or escape from running attack of Mary Joy Baron or back row attack of the towering Jaja Santiago. Or dodge wrecking ball of opposite hitters Kat Tolentino or Jolinadela Cruz, outside hitters Isa Molde, JemaGalanza or Amanda Villanueva, middle hitters Mika Reyes, Bea de Leon, JerriliMalabanan or Kim Dy. They are ready whichever way.

And man, how do you cushion the spike of Alyssa Valdez and SisiRondina, two of the deadliest spikers who thumb down every ball that cross their horizon. Imagine more if these fearless women get physical and slap your face? Not even liberos Princess Gaiser or Dawn Macandili, who dives to save every ball like championship point. She can chase a philanderer anywhere, no way out, nowhere to hide.

Is it just me or there is no equivalent for women’s collegiate volleyball tournament in Cebu city. I have female students in law school who are as tall, fit, pretty and smart. I heard some are beauty queens. But I don’t know if they are as athletic, or even interested in sports. Law students have no time, except for love. They can have both, by all means. Law school, wherever it is, never makes them stupid. Love will.

But there should be that counterpart tournament among universities here, if there isn’t any yet. It would be such a delight to watch. But downside is, it grows list of un-marriable women. Cheat them not, they will kick your, no, gather your ash.