Asiad volleyball: Pray for the best

Get to the quarterfinals then pray for the best.

“Let’s be realistic,” said Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. president Peter Cayco ahead of the women’s volleyball competition in the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta.

The last time the Philippines fielded a team in the Asian Games was in 1982 in New Delhi, where it finished fifth among six teams with a win and four defeats.

Not one member of this year’s lineup was born at that time.

The Philippine women’s team used to be unbeatable in the SEA Games, with seven straight championships from 1977 to 1993. But that’s part of history. After a long absence, the Philippines is back in the swing of things, marked by last year ’s return to the SEA Games competition after an absence of 10 years.

“We are inching our way back and slowly reaching our goals,” said Jose Romasanta, who stepped down as LVPI head and paved the way for Cayco’s entry.

Cayco said the Philippines is fielding “the best team ever” in this year’s Asian Games, and while the spirits are high, a podium finish is a far-fetched idea.

Bannering the team are Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Jia Morado, Dawn Macandili and Aby Marano.

“If we can just get to the quarterfinals,” said the new LVPI chief.

The Philippines is in Pool A, bracketed with host Indonesia, world No. 6 Japan, 2014 Asian Games bronze medalist Thailand and Hong Kong.

In Pool B are the heavyweights – reigning Asian Games champion South Korea, 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist China, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Chinese-Taipei and India.

“We can beat Hong Kong, and if we beat Indonesia, then we have a chance,” said Cayco of the Philippine team, which is now in a final tune-up stint in Japan.

The points system will be applied, with matches ending in straight sets or 3-1 awarding three points to the winner, and none for the loser; and those stretching to five sets awarding two points to the winner and one point for the loser.

“Let’s hope for the best,” said Cayco.