The Philippine women’s volleyball team left for Brazil Tuesday for a two-week training as part of build-up for the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games.
“We wish you all the best of luck in Brazil,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation secretary-general Don Caringal, who represented in behalf of PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara during Monday’s send-off at Dad’s World Buffet in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong.
PNVF Executive Board Member and National Team Chairperson Tony Boy Liao, together with National Women’s Volleyball Team Manager Fe Moran gave the players final heads-up before they embark to the Brazil training camp.
Open spikers Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza and Ces Molina were present together with opposite spikers Kat Tolentino and Mylene Paat.
Also in the send off were setters Kyle Negrito, Deanna Wong and Iris Tolenada, middle blockers Ria Meneses, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata and Aby Maraño, and liberos Dawn Macandili and Kath Arado.
Middle blocker Jaja Santiago, who is currently in Japan, will go straight to Brazil.
Brazilian coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito also talked to the players individually during the send-off.
The women’s coaching staff is also composed of Odjie Mamon and Grace Antigua, trainers Raffy Mosuela and George Pascua and physical therapist Grace Gomez.
The Brazil training camp will be held at Barueri near Sao Paolo where the team will be staying until April 27.
The Philippine women’s volleyball training is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Rebisco, PLDT and City of Taguig.
“We know they will all get much better with the training they will get at the Brazil camp. And hopefully we will become more competitive in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games,” said PNVF Executive Board Member Ricky Palou, who is also the Deputy Secretary General for International Affairs.
All 14 players are coming off in their respective club’s campaign in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.