Mau ruled ineligible for SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine women’s volleyball squad suffered a major blow as Fil-Am sensation Kalei Mau was ruled ineligible for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games. 

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. bared the development just before the Filipina spikers’ gold-medal match with University of Tsukuba in the PSL Super Cup that was organized by the Superliga and the LVPI to serve as the Nationals’ final build-up for the biennial meet.

The former Arizona Wildcats standout’s exit left a big hole in the scoring department for the Nationals who will try to end a 26-year gold medal drought in SEA Games volleyball.

Mau has been on top of the local volleyball scene since winning the Superliga All-Filipino MVP plum and two championships for F2 Logistics. She was also a vital part in the national team’s back-to-back bronze medal finishes in the inaugural two-leg ASEAN GP held in Thailand and here in Manila.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas was tapped from the reserve list to take over from Mau.

Meanwhile, PSL Shine clawed back from two sets down to frustrate PSL Sparkle, 15-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 17-15 and salvage the bronze medal in the Super Cup.

Sta. Lucia spiker MJ Phillips led the way for the winning team, putting up 17 points on 14 kills and three blocks as PSL Shine saved its best for last to gain a podium finish in the four-team mini-tournament.

Generika-Ayala pair Ria Meneses (12) and Patty Orendain (11) provided solid back-up roles for Phillips as PSL Shine pulled one in the tourney.