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Alyssa Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool, Lacks Ara Galang

Big Names On The List

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
The Queen Eagle is Back! | Photo via Fox Sports Asia

The face of the Philippine volleyball and the three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez leads the pool together with her award-winning setter friend/rival Kim Fajardo of De La Salle University. Expected names also made the list like Jaja Santiago (NU), and club league veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Ann Daquis.

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
From Left to Right: Jaja Santiago, Kim Fajardo, Rachel Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

The New National Team will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games 2017. New and familiar names clouded the pool, some were expected and some shocked the volleyball community.

Ateneans Bleed Blue

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
From left to right: Denden Lazaro, Maddie Madayag, Kath Tolentino | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

Ateneo stunners made the cut led by the Iron Eagle Denden Lazaro. The still playing Atenistas, Maddie Madayag and Kath Tolentino, however, vowed to stay focus on their UAAP campaign.

Archers With Their Arrows

12. Roselle Baliton 13. Kath Arado 24. Lourdes Clemente
From left to right: Aby Maraño, Kim Dy, Dawn Macandili, Mika Reyes | Photo via Fox Sports Asia

These tough La Sallian skippers made their alma mater proud as they dominate the list. Starting with the KapitanaAby Maraño and the fan-favorite Mika Reyes followed by the youngsters, Kim Dy and Dawn Macandili.

Tigresses Roar

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
From left to right: Ria Meneses, Rhea Dimaculangan, Aiza Pontillas, Maika Ortiz | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

These España-bound athletes surely roared upon seeing their names on the list. The iconic Aiza Pontillas is on the list, with Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, and Ria Meneses.

Bulldogs Bite

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
From left to right: Bia General, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Myla Pablo | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

NU Bulldogs also have their representatives. The older Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and the Bagyong Myla Pablo, with the promising converted libero, Bia General.

Completing The List

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
From left to right: Gen Casugod, Gretchel Soltones, Elaine Kasilag | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

Familiar faces also were included in the 25-man National Team Pool. The NCAA standout, Gretchel Soltones together with Gen Casugod and Elaine Kasilag.

Controversial Call

Internet was once filled with outrage again when the list was announced, Tuesday. The household name Ara Galang is nowhere to be found! Netizens also slammed Coach Francis Vicente for choosing his players to enter the pool.

Warriors Ready?

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
From left to right: Kath Arado, Roselle Baliton, Lourdes Clemente | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

These UE Lady Warriors completed the list, and netizens are not happy about it. Former UAAP Rookie of the Year, Kath Arado made the cut with her current teammates, Roselle Baliton and Lourdes Clemente.

No Ara Galang?

Valdez Leads 25-man SEAG National Team Pool
Ara Galang did not make the cut | | Photo from Fox Sports Asia

The program is not closing the doors for Ara Galang, we just have to wait until the final 12-man National Team is named soon. SEA Games will take place in Malaysia this coming August.

Written by Denis Santos

A Journalism student who considers nature as his second home. Likes to travel on a budget, and believes tofu and nuggets come hand in hand.

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