Alyssa Valdez committed to Nationals for AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City slated next month

IN ITS time of need, Alyssa Valdez is able and willing to lend a helping hand to Alas Pilipinas even for one last time.

The battle-scarred former many-time national team captain said she is ready to answer the call as the Nationals start practice on Monday as part of their preparation for the AVC Women’s Cup slated June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

“Very willing to support,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Tonyboy Liao on Sunday told The STAR referring to Ms. Valdez.

Asked in what capacity, Mr. Liao said as a “player.”

But Mr. Liao was noncommittal as to the status of the final national team lineup as well as the interim coach who will temporarily hold the reins while head mentor Tai Bundit recovers from an ankle injury he sustained from a scooter accident back home in Bangkok, Thailand more than a week ago.

He hinted though it could come from one of the coaching staff consisting of multi-titled Creamline tactician Sherwin Meneses, Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos, De La Salle University’s Benson Bocboc and Adamson’s JP Yude.

La Salle’s Angel Canino, Shevana Laput and Amie Provido as well as Akari libero Justine Jazareno have reportedly committed to play.

Those who have reportedly said no were Alas skipper Jia de Guzman, Bella Belen, and Alyssa Solomon, who didn’t give reasons for declining it, and Shaina Nitura, who is injured.

And there is hope that Ms. Valdez, a former Southeast Asian Games flag-bearer, would show up. — Joey Villar