Cocolife enters rebuilding phase in PSL

MANILA, Philippines – Cocolife enters a new era following the departure of key players in the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference.

Team official Joshua Ylaya said stalwarts Mary Jean Balse, Joanne Bunag, Jane Gonzales and Nerissa Bautista as well as assistant coach Kungfu Reyes and veteran setter Tina Salak walked away to join Smart when the country’s most prestigious club tourney opens on June 23.

Ace spiker Royse Tubino would also no longer be around as she undergoes a six-month military training.

“The moment we signed them, we know for a fact that they will leave us if Philippine Army will have a team. Now that they reached an agreement with Smart, we have to honor that commitment and let them go,” said Ylaya, the former La Salle men’s volleyball star who is part of the management team of the Asset Managers.

With the Lady Troopers on board, the Asset Managers had some measure of success.

In fact, they advanced to the semifinals of the Grand Prix last year with Taylor Milton and Tai Manu-Olevao serving as imports.

Then, Serbian coach Moro Branislav took over and brought in his protégés in Sara Klisura and Martha Drpa to salvage another semifinal finish.

But now that half of the team is gone, Ylaya said they would parade young players who can help them in the season-ending All-Filipino Conference.

“The Invitationals is a developmental tournament,” he said. “I think it will serve its purpose if we use it as a rebuilding stage for the All-Filipino.”

“But don’t count us out. Rest assured that we will come up with a good recruitment program when all contracts expire at the end of the year.”

It’s a new life for Cocolife.