Valdez, Santiago banner Asiad volleyball 'Final 12'

MANILA, Philippines – The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. formally announced the composition of the national women’s volleyball team that will compete in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia this August.

Team captain Aby Marano leads the roster composed of young and experienced spikers, who will banner the country in its return to the prestigious quadrennial meet.

The last time the Nationals campaigned in the Asian Games was in 1982 in New Delhi. They are regular campaigners in the Southeast Asian Games, but stumbled out of the medal podium after a silver medal finish in the 23rd SEA Games in 2005.

They failed to recover since then.

But this time, hopes are high.

Aside from Marano, also making the cut are her Philippine Superliga (PSL) teammates in Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, Dawn Macandili, Kianna Dy and Cha Cruz-Behag as well as rising star Jaja Santiago, who will be representing the country before flying to Japan to play as import in the prestigious V. Premier League.

Creamline stars Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado also made the cut together with Mika Reyes and Frances Molina and Dindin Manabat of Foton, who will make a grand return after a two-year hiatus.

“We considered their versatility and ability to play multiple positions,” said LVPI acting president Peter Cayco.

Cayco said seasoned setter Rhea Dimaculangan and libero Denden Lazaro will serve as reserves while Myla Pablo of Pocari Sweat, Mylene Paat of Cignal, Maika Ortiz and CJ Rosario of Foton, Rebecca Rivera and MJ Philips of Sta. Lucia Realty will be part of the pool that will see action in the PSL Invitational Conference starting June 23.

“As much as possible, we want them to develop chemistry and cohesiveness,” said Cayco, who personally asked the PSL if it would accommodate the national pool as guest team in the Invitationals.