Creamline top spiker Alyssa Valdez will continue resting and undergoing rehabilitation for an injury suffered last November.
Despite her situation, the 29-year+old Valdez remains part of the 17-member national women’s pool listed to see action in the coming 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
Valdez, who is recovering from a knee injury she sustained late in the Reinforced Conference during its semifinals, continues to attend practices and is doing rehab work whenever national team sessions are held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
National team commission chairman Tonyboy Liao confirmed Valdez’s inclusion following his return from the United States.
Also listed are her Creamline teammates, Jia Morado, Tots Carlos, Ced Domingo, Kyle Atienza and Gemma Galanza.
“There are 17 members of the national women’s team. They train on Mondays and Tuesday. And this lineup will be cut to 14,” said Liao on Saturday during the launch of the The Premier Volleyball League, which starts its new season beginning Feb. 4.
All of the candidates for the national squad, which also includes Choco Mucho’s Kat Tolentino and Cherry Nunag, will continue to prepare during its kickoff tournament for the year, now called the All-Filipino Conference.
After the conference is done by March, the members of the national pool, which also has Cignal’s Angel Cayuna, PLDT’s Kath Arado, Mika Reyes, Del Palomata, Jules Samonte in the list, will begin training daily under national coach, Jorge Edson, who is handling the Akari Chargers. Peter Atencio
The Creamline Cool Smashers will kick off their title defense against Petro Gazz Angels, who are the Reinforce Conference champions, at 6 p.m. while Akari and Choco Mucho square off in the first game at 4 p.m.
“It will be an exciting match,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses of their opening game.
Creamline boasts of an intact line-up, while Petro Gazz has acquired three players to beef up its roster.
Other members of the national squad are Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat and PetroGazz Angels MJ Philips
Other prospects are Lea Pelega and Risa Nogales.