THE Philippine women's team has tapped Dawn Macandili as libero for the 29th Southeast Asian Games, replacing Denden Lazaro.
Head coach Francis Vicente said it was a decision discussed by the coaching staff before he informed the organizers during the preliminary inquiry on Saturday after their flight from Manila.
The main reason for the change, according to Vicente, was Lazaro's hamstring injury suffered during the exhibition match Battle of the Rivals a day before the team left for a 17-day training camp in Japan.
“We know kung gaano siya nagtrabaho and nakita ko ang eagerness niya in representing the country in this tournament, but her health is our top priority," said Vicente.
"Crucial ang role niya sa national team in the next three years and ayaw na natin na maaggravate pa ang injury niya kung isasabak na natin siya dito sa SEA Games.”
Lazaro, who saw action in the 2015 edition of the biennial meet in Singapore, will join Kim Dy at the sidelines.
The Philippines is looking to win a volleyball medal for first time since the country bagged bronze as hosts of the 2005 SEA Games.
The Filipinas will face Malaysia on Friday and Vietnam on Saturday in the pool stage.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
