Alyssa Valdez skips national team tryouts due to COVID-19 concerns

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of the main offensive superstars of the Philippine national women’s volleyball team will not be participating in the upcoming tryouts due to health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alyssa “The Phenom” Valdez will not be with team Pilipinas after begging off from the official tryouts despite getting selected among the 25 players called up by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

It was Premier Volleyball League (PVL) president and PNVF board member Ricky Palou who confirmed Valdez’s decision.

“Alyssa begged off from the tryouts for the national team. Several players actually begged off for safety reasons given the current pandemic situation,” said Palou.

Previously, national team staple and Ilongga veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga also decided to skip the tryouts and a few days ago, it was F2 Logistics’ superstar Kalei Mau who announced she will not participate in the bubble.

Meanwhile, veteran Abby Maraño and national team middle-blocker Majoy Baron were seen in the bubble and are reportedly committed to play for the national team.

“We are looking at specific qualities for specific positions, and not the individual, but the aspirant’s qualities,” coach Odjie Mamon said.