Iris Tolenada all set for Korean Volleyball League debut

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

There will be another Filipina set to fill in the Asian import role in the Korean Volleyball League Women’s division.

After MJ Phillips’ selection by the Gwangju Al Peppers during the last KVL draft, Iris Tolenada, one of the setters of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, is also ready for her Korea debut announced last July 28, 2023.

Tolenada will be reinforcing the GS Caltex Seoul Kixx and is expected to bring an immediate impact on the orchestration of the team’s offense.

The savvy setter was tapped by GS Caltex after the team confirmed that they will be replacing Soraya Phomla from Thailand.

Tolenada tried her luck during the KVL draft several months ago but failed to make the cut as Phillips was the only Filipina to receive a slot in the Asian import pool.

She then continued her stint with the Cargo Movers and is fresh off a round-robin semifinal appearance before getting knocked out in their third game.

With the golden opportunity now up for grabs, Tolenada didn’t think twice and agreed to a deal with the KVL team.

GS Caltex also revealed that Tolenada will already be arriving in Korea this August to participate in their intensive training camp.

“Winning various individual awards in her own leagues, whose ability to manage matches based on agility and agility is an advantage. Playing passionately fits well with GS Caltex’s team style and is looking forward to a great performance in GS Caltex Setergin in the future!” the team wrote on their Instagram account.

The team is yet to announce Tolenada’s contract including the terms and conditions and if she will be allowed to participate in the PVL once KVL’s off-season begins.