Valdez, other PVL stars out of Phl VI

Games today (Filoil Flying V Arena) 4:15 p.m. – Pilipinas-Blue vs Pilipinas-Red (men’s) 7 p.m. – Pilipinas-Blue vs Pilipinas-Red (women’s)

Alyssa Valdez and the other mainstays of the Premier Volleyball League have begged off for tonight’s Clash of Heroes, virtually giving up their chance to vie for berths in the SEA Games-bound national team.

Valdez, arguably the most popular player in the country, was barred from seeing action by her mother club, Creamline, to avoid any injury as the Cool Smashers brace for the crucial stretch of the PVL.

“The Creamline Cool Smashers are in the middle of a tight tournament schedule in the PVL where Aly (Valdez) has played in straight game days and has had to do more for the team in light of the continuing delay of the release of the ITCs (International Transfer Certificates) for our imports to play,” the team said in a statement.

“We cannot risk injury to her from overplay,” it added.

Also expected to sit out are Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag of Pocari Sweat and Gretchel Soltones of BaliPure for the same reason.

Valdez, long considered as the face of Phl volleyball, has been doing it all for Creamline, firing norms of 25 points, a league-best, in five games pending the issuance of ITCs for their imports along with the other reinforcements of the other teams.

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. has made it clear the Clash of Heroes serves as the basis for selecting the composition of the national team.

“The first thing we want to see in these

aspirants is their commitment,” said national women’s team coach Francis Vicente.

“This event is the ultimate test not only to their skills and talent, but also to their character and commitment to serve the national team.”

Reigning NCAA MVP Johnvic de Guzman and his Pilipinas-Blue team take on the Pilipinas-Red squad bannered by UAAP MVP Marck Espejo in the men’s match at 4:15 p.m. at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Although Espejo remains doubtful, his squad remains solid, giving the Red team the slight edge in the match that serves as the final leg of the tryouts for the national team vying in the SEA Games in Malaysia this August.

The Pilipinas-Blue team, meanwhile, takes on Pilipinas-Red squad led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petron in the 7 p.m. featured battle of the event organized by the PSC-POC Media Group and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission with UCPB Gen as official insurance provider and TV5 as official broadcast partner.

But prior to the women’s match, the volley stars will pay tribute to those who have brought honor to the country in the international arena like three-time SEA Games gold medalist Arlene Apostol-Ladimo, Grace Antigua, Zenaida Chavez, Rosemarie Prochina and Joanne Tavera-Tomacruz.

PSC chairman William Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco, LVPI president Joey Romasanta and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri were also invited to make the ceremonial serve, while NCAA cheerdance champion Arellano University will provide a big number.