IN deference to the finals of the University Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament, the organizing PSC-POC Media Group and Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. decided to reset the Clash of Heroes to May 15 at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
LVPI acting president Peter Cayco said they want players of both Ateneo and La Salle to focus on winning the UAAP title before shooting for a slot in the 18-woman national roster headed for the 29th Southeast Asian Games.
A fund-raising project for the foreign training and exposure of the national men’s and women’s volleyball teams, the Clash of Heroes was initially set today (April 28), few days before the Lady Eagles and Lady Spikers formally open their best-of-three titular showdown.
“Holding the event to a later date is very sound and logical,” said Cayco, who was authorized by LVPI president Joey Romasanta to spearhead the formation of the national squad that will campaign in the biennial meet in Kuala Lumpur this August.
“Aside from giving Ateneo and La Salle players the chance to set their attention on winning the title, this will also allow fans to enjoy the UAAP finals and cheer for the national team. This move is a win-win solution for all of us.”
FIVB Women’s Club World Championship veteran Kim Fajardo, Philippine Superliga Most Valuable Player Dawn Macandili and rising star Kim Kianna Dy of La Salle as well as Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag of Ateneo would be affected if the organizers would not reset the Clash of Heroes.
“These players are our future,” Cayco said. “We want to give them the opportunity to compete against the veteran players in the pool and fight for their slots in the national team.”
Former Ateneo superstar Alyssa Valdez, former La Salle sensation Mika Reyes and veterans Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jaja Santiago and Aby Marano lead the women’s national pool under the mentorship of Francis Vicente.
On the other hand, reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association MVP Johnvic de Guzman as well as former national team members Peter Torres, Ran Abdilla and Mark Alfafara banner a star-studded cast in the men’s side to be handled by Sammy Acaylar.
Tickets for the Clash of Heroes are pegged at P200 (lower box) and P100 (upper box) and are still available at the media center of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
For inquiries, call Reuben Terrado at (02) 523 4634 or tweet him at @reubensports.