Volleyball icons Tatan Gata-Pantone and Sasa Devanadera set for retirement

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Two of the greatest volleyball players the country has ever seen will be hanging up their jerseys and are set to retire in the sport that they love the most.

Lizlee Ann “Tatan” Gata-Pantone and Sasa Devanadera, two of the most exciting players in the PH volleyball scene, will be calling it a career.

According to legendary coach Roger Gorayeb, two of her players who are currently under the PLDT Power Hitters in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix confirmed that they will be retiring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nagpapasalamat ako naging part ako ng career nila. Salamat sa leadership nila. Andiyan sila mula nung team na malakas lakas pa kami, hanggang ngayon na medyo nagkaedad na sila gusto pa rin nila makatulong at makalaro. Kaya lang kailangan tanggapin talagang dadating yung panahon na mawawala na rin sila. Kailangan magpahinga na rin,” Gorayeb said.

Upon retirement, Pantone will leave a mark in the sport as one of the greatest liberos to play the game.

The former Adamson superstar was a three-time UAAP best digger and was a four-time Shakey’s V-League champion.

Meanwhile, Devanadera will always be remembered as one of the best offensive players in the game with her deadly cross-court spikes.

Gorayeb was a proud mentor of Devanadera since her college days where they won three titles together with the San Sebastian Lady Stags.

“Siyempre malaki ang impact sa akin kasi sila ang mga senior players ko. Sila yung mga ate. Ngayon wala ng ate,” Gorayeb added.