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| courtesy of interaksyon |
The POC-PSC Vbelles have won and lost in their two games at the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam. With a 1-1 record and only a match left, the Philippine team will need no less than a miracle to advance to the 2014 Asian Zonals.
If the sole purpose of joining the Vietnam zonals is for our players to gain international experience, then mission is accomplished. Nerves, as shown by the poor start of the team in its first two games, seem to be the team's Achilles' heel. Such can be expected for a team that is not used to competing at the international level. Alyssa Valdez, for me, remains the brightest spot for the POC-PSC V-belles. Against Vietnam, Valdez showed heart and skill. With a lot more training and exposure to tournaments abroad, Valdez could become the Philippines' best female volleyball player today.
If the purpose of the team in going to Vietnam is for the fans to see their favorite players play internationally, then this one is mission not accomplished. Filipino volleyball fans stayed late at night hoping to watch their idols in action. Sadly, there were no livestreams for the matches.
Now for the interesting part. If the Philippine team joined the zonals to prevent a suspension from AVC, then this is preposterous. In the first place, the event is not mandatory. Can anyone show a document that categorically says that the Southeast Asian zonals is mandatory ? I don't think so. More so, can anyone show a document that categorically states that non-participation in the zonals will merit a suspension from international tournaments ?
The country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals can be a hit or miss, depending on one's purpose.
I do agree that the event is not mandatory. But it begs the question. Why haven't we sent a full-fledged senior women's national volleyball team to an international competition for a very long time? Mr. Dungo was saying months ago that he'll invite fil-ams to the men's and women's team. What happened to that/
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