Philippines national U-18 girls volleyball team are set to be tested as they begin their campaign in the Asian Women’s U-18 Volleyball Championships against India on Monday in Thailand.
The squad, to be handled by veteran volleyball coach Jerry Yee, were composed of players from Negros Occidental and Iloilo City.
“Because we are still in COVID-19 pandemic during our preparation, we opted to select players who were closer to us here in Region 6,” said team manager Jose Montalbo.
“One of the positive things about this is most of them were already familiar with each other so adjustments and jelling will not be that much of a problem,” he added.
Leading the team were Katherine Shaine Cortez, Kimberly Rubin, Dona Mae De Leon, Lana Madrigal, Jothea Ramos, Joenil Ramos, Caitlin Espinosa, Rhose Viane Almendralejo, Kc Delos Reyes, Rose Bulak, Ana Francesca Hermosura, Zacchea Maganto, Camila Bartolome and Mary Karylle Suplico.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to represent the Philippines in the international stage. So I am certain the girls will surely give their best and to make our country proud,” Montalbo said.
After India on Monday afternoon, the Philippine team will next face Kazakhstan on Tuesday, China on Wednesday, Chinese-Taipei on Thursday and Japan on Saturday.
