VOLLEYBALL Top players’ in training pool

With the country hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games, women’s volleyball national team skipper Aby Maraño expressed optimism for a podium finish since the Philippines won the bronze 15 years ago when the biennial meet was staged here.

“It’s totally different when you’re playing in front of the hometown crowd,” said Maraño during yesterday’s formal announcement of the national training pool at the Joy-Nostalg Hotel and Suites in Ortigas Center Pasig City.

“Of course magiging mataas ang

confidence, it’s really going to be really crucial in our campaign,” added Maraño. [Confidence will be high.]

Officials of the Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc., led by its president Peter Cayco and vice president Joey Romasanta, also attended the event, as well as Rebisco chief Jonathan Ng.

Also named to the pool are Kathleen Arado, Mary Joy Baron, Diana Carlos, Angel Cayuna, Celine Domingo, Jema Galanza, Ejiya Laure, Dennise Lazaro, Dawn Macandili, Jerrili Malabanan, Kalei Mau, Frances Molina, Jia Morado, Mylene Paat, Marjana Philips, Aiza Pontillas, Mika Reyes, Alohi Robins-Hardy, Jaja Santiago, Din-Din Santiago-Manabat and Alyssa Valdez.

Valdez said that while playing in front of the Filipinos may add pressure, the sheer joy of feeling the crowd’s support will make a big difference.

Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc. President Peter Cayco (right) and Rebisco President Jonathan Ng (third left) join players and coaches of the women’s volleyball national team who will represent the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. (Waylon Galvez)