COACH Larry Tuileta is pleased with the Aloha Region Juniors silver medal finish in the Rebisco Volleyball League and is hoping to get another shot at the National Championship Girls 18 and under title.
“Definitely we’re recommending this league to our region back there. I know everybody back home are excited about this trip and for future trip as long as you guys invite us we’ll definitely comeback,” Tuileta said.
Aloha was swept by Kings’ Montessori, 12-25, 20-25, 24-26, in the final on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, but Tuileta said it was a good learning experience for the players.
“We had a great time, we appreciated the opportunity. I think our kids learned a lot in this tournament,” he said.
“You know for them to come over here and learn a different style of volleyball. Great beneficial for us and hopefully the Philippine teams learned something from us too.”
“The hospitality and the people here are so nice we definitely appreciate having us over here. Thank you,” he added.
Naniloa Spaar was named MVP and first best outside hitter, Madisyn Beirne copping the second best outside hitter award, while Nive Tuileta won the Best Setter plum.
Rizza Cruz of Kings’ Montessori was named 1st Best Middle Blocker, and Tuileta lauded the other players from the champion squad for doing very well, particularly setter Louie Romero.
“I was surprised because I thought that the team that won it had a really good group,” Tuileta said.
“I love their setter. I thought she deserves some of those awards and most of their players, I love the way they play.”
The other awardees were Holy Rosary College’s Aliah Marce (Best Opposite Spiker); Z-air Maori‘s Kaila Ru (2nd Best Middle Blocker) and Leyte national high school’s Phoebe Baldesco (Best Libero).