As the Philippine women's volleyball team gears up for the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI) addressed concerns regarding the national squad's 14-woman lineup.
LVPI vice president Peter Cayco confirmed to ESPN5 that Creamline's Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado remain committed to their national duties. Petron's Ces Molina and Pocari Sweat's Myla Pablo, meanwhile, are still part of the pool but they will not participate in upcoming international tournaments due to injuries.
Valdez, Morado, and Molina are included in the regular roster set to compete in the Asian Games. With Molina nursing a stress fracture on her left shin, Cignal's Mylene Paat was tapped to take her place.
Cayco refuted speculations that Valdez and Morado will no longer join the Philippine team, saying their mother club already assured their commitment through a formal letter sent to LVPI.
The former Lady Eagles' availability has been repeatedly questioned especially since they did not play in the exhibition matches with Philippine Superliga (PSL) teams in the previous weeks.
"We expected that because the PVL (Premier Volleyball League) is a competing league that's why they didn't play in the PSL," Cayco told ESPN5. "But Creamline has committed to the LVPI that their two players will be made available in the training (in Japan), the Asian Games, and the Southeast Asian Games."
The only tournament that is not yet part of Creamline's commitment is the Asian Women's Volleyball Cup in September since this will be in conflict with the PVL's schedule.
As for Molina and Pablo, Cayco said that they are welcome to re-join the national team after they recover from their respective injuries. Molina informed the LVPI that she was advised by her doctor to rest for four weeks after she helps Petron fight for the crown in the ongoing PSL conference.
The Philippine team is set to hold its training camp in Japan from August 5 to 16. They will head to Indonesia for the Asian Games on August 17.