Bannering the women’s indoor and beach volleyball team, four Western Visayas-based players were included in the 31st Southeast Asian Games which kicks off this week in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Abigail Palmares Maraño of Passi, Iloilo will lead the squad along with Batan, Aklan-native Dell Juanico Palomata, Negrense Bernadeth Pons and Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga.
The 14 players in the national women’s indoor volleyball team will be challenged by powerhouse teams in the biennial sporting event.
Maraño, one of the country’s veteran spikers is expected to give her ace game in the national team. She had several SEA Games stints while first timer Palomata is expected to reinforce the squad.
Also part of the indoor team were Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Mary Joy Baron, Kat Tolentino, Mylene Paat, Marivic Meneses, Frances Molina and Jessica Galanza.
The Odjie Mamon and Jorge Edson Souza de Brito-mentored team is comprised by Iris Tolenada Kathleen Arado, Dawn Macandilli and Kyle Negrito.
To recall, the national women’s team looks to improve their fourth and last place finish during the 30th Southeast Asian Games held in the country last 2019.
Cherry Ann Rondina and Floremel Rodriguez will join Gonzaga and Pons in the beach volleyball. The team snatched a bronze medal finish in the 2019 SEA Games.
Serving as women’s beach volleyball team head coach is Paul Jan Doloiras of the UST beach volleyball team with Romnick Rico serving as his assistant.IMT Sports
