Iris Tolenada is feeling upbeat on her return to the Philippines women’s volleyball program after six years.
Having represented the country in the 2015 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship at Tianjin, China, Tolenada is looking forward to lead Team Choco Mucho, this time in the 21st Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship which opens Friday at Terminal 21 competition hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
A product of San Francisco State, Tolenada has set modest expectations for Choco Mucho in the continental club tournament.
“We expect to get out on the court and do the best we can,” said Tolenada before the team’s morning training session Thursday.
All eyes will be also on Choco Mucho, which is bracketed in Pool A along with Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC and Kazakhstan’s Zhetyssu, as outside spikers Kalei Mau and MJ Phillips will banner the Odjie Mamon-mentored squad.
Choco Mucho also comprises of Tin Tiamzon, Mylene Paat, Kianna Dy, Ria Meneses, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata, Deanna Wong, Dawn Macandili and late addition Gel Cayuna. Tolenada will reunite with Dy, who was her teammate in the 2015 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Playing for the first time since the pandemic, Tolenada is more than glad to orchestrate plays again for the sport that she loves – and in the international competition of that.
“For me it’s really a lot of emotions, but I’m really just grateful. I’m also excited for this opportunity for everyone representing the Philippines right now. God has provided an opportunity for us to do what we love to do, and that’s more than what we could have ever asked for,” said Tolenada.
“The mindset of the team is to perform our best every time we step on the court,” she added.
Given another opportunity to shine, Tolenada will provide Choco Mucho morale boost as it competes in a small but competitive Pool A.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who has supported all of us and our journey. Maraming salamat po, we love and appreciate all of you!
Maraming salamat also to the PNVF and PSC, and huge thank you to our sponsors Rebisco, Foton, and the City of Taguig,” said Tolenada.