By NIKOLE JAVIER
Kyla Atienza has officially introduced herself on the international stage after winning the Best Libero award to conclude her stint for the Philippine women’s team in the ASEAN Grand Prix 2022 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Sunday, Sept. 11.
After their disappointing 24-26, 22-25, 23-25 loss against Indonesia in the battle for third, the Philippines had nothing else going on for them until Atienza was named the Best Libero of the tourney.
The 5-foot-6 libero has been taking cover for the Philippines since the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women where they finished in sixth.
Despite going winless in the 2022 edition, Atienza’s role proved to be a key in unlocking the Philippine-Creamline’s promising level of playing.
They might have missed star player Alyssa Valdez in both occasions due to dengue, but the PH spikers are not going home empty-handed courtesy of the libero standout.
The award was previously claimed by Dawn Macandili in 2019 where the Philippines finished on the podium with bronze in the second leg.
With mixed results in both of their international stint, the Creamline-led Philippines will refocus on extending their championship win in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference in October.