NCAA & UAAP players called to represent the Philippines for international games but schools have to cooperate said the PNVF board
Officials of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) are looking at using collegiate players for international events, including the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup(AVC) from August 21 to 28.
PNVF has opened discussions with schools and cooperate with them to let their top players make up the core of the Philippine national team in the near future.
“We’re moving towards that but we will really need the help of the schools for this,” PNVF board member Ricky Palou told the Inquirer late Tuesday evening.
“What the PNVF leadership has written to the schools is that we want them to be our partners in this program,” Palou explained. “After all, they will also benefit because we will be giving these players added training and international experience.”
Noteworthy possible additions to the national pool are Rookie-MVP Bella Belen, the first in history of the UAAP Women’s volleyball, as she led her team to their first championship in 65, together with Eya Laure of University of Santo Tomas, and Ateneo Blue Eagles’ ace spiker Faith Nisperos, all of which have had their international experience.
National teams commission chair Tonyboy Liao also revealed that due to the disappointing finish in the recent 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, the PNVF board has decided to call up players from the UAAP and NCAA.
“The coaching staff has already named 22 names to be invited from the different schools. We are just waiting for the reply of the universities of those who were invited if they will be released,” he said.
"It's because of the problem with the training of the national team. If we will again get players from the PVL, which will have an ongoing Invitational Conference, they won't have time to train with the national team like what happened for the SEA Games," Liao added.
Tags: #volleyball, #UAAP, #NCAA, #nationalteam