KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

UAAP Season 84 Rookie-Most Valuable Player winner Michaela Belen, Faith Nisperos, Thea Gagate and Jennifer Nierva banner the pool of players being considered to represent the country in the Asian Volleyball Women’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Aug. 21 to 28.

Also part of the 22-player pool are Eya Laure, Alleiah Malaluan, Leila Cruz, Mereophe Sharma, Jolina Dela Cruz, Marrione Alba, Alyssa Solomon, Ivy Lacsina, Camilla Lamina, Kamile Cal, Bernadeth Pepito, Imee Hernandez, Vanessa Gandler, AC Miner, Alyssa Bertolano, Casiey Dongallo, Jelaica Gajero, Trisha Genesis and Louie Romero.

“This is my target, giving them a face as a team. They are really young and they are our future,” said national team coach Jorge De Brito.

A total of 10 teams are competing in the tournament with the PH team grouped with South Korea, China, Iran and Vietnam. The other group has Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei and Australia.

The team will be backed by Akari.

“The core of the company is to put light in every home. Now we want to put light on sports, too,” said Akari Sports Director Russell Balbacal.

The Akari-PNVF partnership was formally forged in a luncheon-press conference in a Pasay City restaurant on Friday with PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressing gratitude to Akari’s support for the national team.

“Today is a milestone for the PNVF. This is just the start with new, young fresh players for the AVC Cup,” Suzara said in the event graced by Akari Sports Director Russel Balbalcal and team manager Mozzy Ravena.

 “We are looking forward to help the national team the every way we can,” said Balbalcal, who represented Akari President Christopher Tiu.