WITH Fil-Japanese Risa Sato still ineligible for the National University this season in the UAAP, setter Ivy Perez is set to make the Lady Bulldogs lineup in Season 78.
The 20-year old top setter in the Super Liga Grand Prix, however, will still have to fight for playing minutes at NU, standing behind rookie Rica Diolan and another setter Asi Soliven.
Sato, who played for Gorayeb in the national team that saw action in the Asian Under-23 Championship that was held in Manila, needs to complete her residency with NU after she was declared as a college transferee. It was learned Sato enrolled in a university in Japan for one semester.
“Eh kasi nga kulang ako ng tao, sagadin mo na tutal isang playing year na lang din siya (Perez),” said Gorayeb.
“Gusto ko kasi sa setter madiskarte, dalawa lang naman ang pinagpipilian ko kung sino lang madampot ko.”
“Pasok siya sa lineup pero definitely hindi si Ivy ang first setter ko, definite ’yun, definite ’yun,” stressed Gorayeb.
NU has yet to finalize its roster, but among those expected to make it are Jaja Santiago, Myla Pablo, Jorelle Singh, Bia General, Jasmine Nabor and returning player Aiko Urdas.