Volleybelles eye wins vs HK, Indonesia

JAKARTA – The Philippine women’s volleyball team is back in the Asian Games after over three decades of absence, and Alyssa Valdez and her teammates hope to pull off a surprise with their 10-day Spartan training in Okagawa, Japan.

“We’re actually eyeing the Southeast Asian Games (in Manila) next year, but if we can compete here, why not?” said national coach Shaq delos Santos.

Team Phl is grouped with Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong in Pool A, needing to finish in the Top Four to make the crossover quarterfinals versus the Top Four from among China, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and India in Pool B.

“The target is to beat Hong Kong and hopefully also Indonesia. We’ve seen Indonesia in the last SEA Games, and we’re confident we can compete with them,” said Brian Ezequiel, a member of the Phl coaching staff.

The Phl belles hope their training in Japan could help them here.

“It was hard, but we’ve learned a lot there,” said Valdez of their Japan sojourn where they’re exposed to a lot of matches against top junior and senior college teams.

“At first, we’re beaten badly. Towards the end, we’re already winning our matches,” said Ezequiel.

They closed their Japanese camp Thursday and, after an overnight stay in Manila, headed here, two days ahead of their opening match against Thailand.

Next up for Team Phl is the powerhouse Japanese team Tuesday, Hong Kong Thursday then Indonesia Saturday.

Aby Marano skippers the team, which includes Jaja Santiago, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Denden Lazaro, Kim Kianna Dy, Dawn Macandili, Dindin SantiagoManabat, Jia Morado, Majoy Baron, Cha Cruz, Maika Ortiz and Mylene Paat.