POC-PSC Sports V-Belles debut vs Vietnamese tonite

MANILA, Philippines - Team Philippines, a crew of first-timers but gutsy volley players, gets its baptism of fire in international play as it clashes with fancied Vietnam at the start of the Asian Southeastern Zone Women’s Volleyball qualifier in Quang Tri, Vietnam tonight.

Head coach Roger Gorayeb had set modest expectations for his hastily formed but crack squad composed of the top players from the recent Shakey’s V-League tournament as they vie for the lone berth in the Asian Zonals against the host, Myanmar and Indonesia.

“This team was formed on short notice and had only a week’s practice,” said Gorayeb. “Modest lang expectations namin.”

The POC-PSC Sports V-Belles left Manila Wednesday morning for Danang then took a five-hour ride to Quang Tri in the north central coast of Vietnam.

“Despite the long travel, the girls are in high spirits and very optimistic although 90 percent of them are first timers in international competition,” said team manager Tony Boy Liao.

Their being unknown could work to Team Phl’s advantage since the field won’t have any idea of the squad’s strength and its brand of play.

Led by the National U’s stalwarts Myla Pablo, Jennylyn Reyes, Rubie de Leon and sisters Dindin and Jaja Santiago, Team Phl battles Vietnam at 8 p.m. before taking on Myanmar and Indonesia in the next two days, respectively, both starting at 5 p.m.

Team Phl, with NU’s Edjet Mabbayad and Ariel dela Cruz as assistant coaches, hopes to draw the best from each of the players, including hitters Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo, Iari Yongco of La Salle-Dasmariñas, Adamson’s Pau Soriano, UST’s Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan, also of UST, libero Jheck Dionela of Perpetual Help and former MVP Suzanne Roces.