Volleybelles to aim for quarterfinals in Asiad

MANILA, Philippines — The national women’s volleyball team is looking to come up with a modest finish when it competes in the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta next week.

According to Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. president Peter Cayco, expectations will be tempered, especially since it will be the first time in 36 years that the Nationals will be seeing action in the prestigious quadrennial meet.

The squad will tip off its campaign against regional powerhouse Thailand on August 19 before facing Japan on August 21, Hong Kong on August 23 and Indonesia on August 25.

Cayco said their battle with Japan and Indonesia will be very interesting since these teams will surely be stumbling blocks in their goal of coming up with a podium finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

But for now, they are seeking at least an eighth-place finish.

“I told the team that there’s no pressure,” said Cayco, adding that making it to the quarterfinals will be a very doable goal.

“We will surely make it to the Round of 8. I think we can beat other countries to make it to the quarterfinals. From there, anything can happen.”

Cayco said the team is in high spirits.

In fact, the ongoing Japan training is now doing wonders as the players, led by skipper Aby Marano and mainstays Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Alyssa Valdez and Denden Lazaro, are already developing their friendship and chemistry inside and outside the court.

The squad will be back in Manila on August 17 before flying to Jakarta the following day.

Cayco stressed that he likes what he’s seeing.

“The way things are going for this team is really impressive,” he said.

“They forged a different bond, a different rapport, a different kind of friendship. Everybody is upbeat and ready to win.”