Lady Eagles tapped for Asian U-23 meet

MANILA, Philippines - After Ateneo’s unbeaten title run in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament, Lady Eagles skipper Alyssa Valdez looks forward to answering the call of the flag in the Asian Under-23 Women’s Championship.

Valdez, the reigning two-time MVP of the UAAP, has been selected to be part of the core of the team that will carry the fight for the Philippines in the May 1-9 tourney it is hosting.

“Sana matuloy yung pinaplano ng Philippines to play in the U-23; makapag-prepara kami and sana makasali ako at maging part ng team (I want to play for the national team in the U-23),” said Valdez. 

Despite the tough grind in collegiate play, the pride of San Juan, Batangas is willing to undergo rigid training some more and suit up for the Nationals.

“Who wouldn’t kung mabigyan ng (if you’re given a) chance (to play for the national team), di ba?” she said.

Two of her teammates – setter Jia Morado and middle hitter Bea de Leon – will also be assuming national duties, along with Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo of UAAP runner-up La Salle.

Coaches Roger Gorayeb and Sammy Acaylar have listed 20 players for the pool that team officials plan to send to Japan for training in the run-up to the Asian U-23.

Gretchen Soltones and Alyssa Eroa of San Sebastian and Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo of National U are among the prominent names in the pool.