Valdez, Morado barred from joining national team in PSL stint

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine national women’s team will be marching without Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado when it competes in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference starting this weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a letter to Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. vice president Peter Cayco, Creamline’s mother company — Rebisco —  expressed regret that it could not send its two best players to national team duties.

The company said they are in the middle of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference and losing both Valdez and Morado will be a major blow to their title bid.

Cayco said the federation fully respects the decision of Rebisco that prompts them to make some adjustments in their roster.

“I already received their letter. We are saddened by this and, at the same time, respects the decision of Creamline,” said Cayco, who was tasked to oversee the national team program.

“With this development will just inform the coaches, headed by Shaq Delos Santos, to make the necessary adjustments in the roster.”

After being formally assembled last week, the national squad will be coming in as a guest team in the Invitationals.

They will clash with Cignal on June 28, Sta. Lucia Realty on June 30, F2 Logistics on July 7, Cocolife on July 10, Petron on July 12, Foton on July 14, Generika-Ayala on July 24 and Smart on July 26.

The outcome of their matches will not reflect on the official team standing as the federation made it clear that its ultimate objective is to develop the chemistry and cohesiveness of the 20-woman pool headed for the 18th Asian Games.

Unfortunately, Valdez and Morado couldn’t make it.

“It’s okay,” said Cayco, who got an assurance from Rebisco that it will allow the two stalwarts to attend their regular training.

“It’s now up to the coaches to make some adjustments.”