Three Fil-Ams to beef up national volleybelles

MANILA, Philippines — The volleyball association has tapped three Fil-Ams – Kalei Mau, Alohi Robins-Hardy and MJ Philips – to bolster its already loaded national women’s volleyball team with hopes of snaring a medal in the Southeast Asian Games the country is hosting  in December.

LVPI president Peter Cayco also infused youth talents in Tots Carlos of University of the Philippines, Kath Arado of University of the East and Celine Domingo and Gel Cayuna of Far Eastern U with an eye of a long-term program.

They will join a 22-man pool headed by Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Dawn Macandili, Dindin Manabat, Mylene Paat, Eya Laure and skipper Abi Marano.

Majoy Baron, Jema Galanza, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Ces Molina and Mika Reyes are the other members of the Shaq delos Santos-coached squad.

Cayco also said the under-23 squad will be led by UP’s Isa Molde, UE’s Judith Abil and National U’s Faith Nisperos.

Ateneo star Marck Espejo returns to the national men’s roster after missing the last SEAG.

Espejo, a many-time UAAP MVP who is playing in the Japan league, will team up with captain Johnvic de Guzman, Ranran Adbilla, Mark Alfafara, Bryan Bagunas, Kim Dayandante, Joven dela Vega and Rex Intal.

Also on the team are Fauzi Ismail, Jack Kalingking, Jessie Lopez, Jeffrey Malabanan, Kim Malabunga, Rikko Marmeto, Ricky Marcos, Ish Polvorosa, Francis Saura, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Peter Torres and Joshua Umandal.

Dante Alinsunurin will mentor the men’s team.