UAAP Season 84 individual awardees led by Rookie-Most Valuable Player Michaela Belen, Faith Nisperos, Thea Gagate and Jennifer Nierva banner the pool of players eyeing to see action in the Asian Volleyball Women’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Aug. 21 to 29.
Also part of the 22-player pool are Eya Laure, Alleiah Malaluan, Leila Cruz, Mereophe Sharma, Jolina Dela Cruz, Marrione Alba, Alyssa Solomon, Ivy Lacsina, Camilla Lamina, Kamile Cal, Bernadeth Pepito, Imee Hernandez, Vanessa Gandler, AC Miner, Alyssa Bertolano, Casiey Dongallo, Jelaica Gajero, Trisha Genesis and Louie Romero.
“This is my target, giving them a face as a team. They are really young and they are our future,” said national team coach Jorge De Brito.
A total of 10 teams are competing in the tournament with the PH team grouped with South Korea, China, Iran and Vietnam. The other group has Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei and Australia.
With the Philippine National Volleyball Federation aimed at strengthening its programs for the national team, it found a new partner in Akari.
“The core of the company is to put light in every home. Now we want to put light on sports, too,” said Akari Sports Director Russell Balbacal.