AKARI ace libero Justine Jazareno will take a leave of absence in light of her pregnancy.
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Jazareno's talent agency VP Global Management confirmed that the former De La Salle Lady Spiker and her partner Jhonas are expecting their first child — prompting her to sit out the forthcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season-opening conference.
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"We're excited to share that our volleyball star, Ms. Justine Jazareno, is eagerly anticipating the joys of motherhood.
"She has made the decision to take a leave of absence from the game to focus on her forthcoming bundle of joy," the agency wrote on Thursday afternoon.
Citing the need to 'support her family,' Jazareno opted to turn pro back in September with a year of UAAP eligibility to spare to join the Akari Chargers.
In her debut in last year's season-ending All-Filipino Conference, the 23-year-old libero posted 121 excellent digs (2.95 avg) and 94 excellent receptions (2.29 avg). This, on top of a 57.9 percent success rate in digs and 45.6 percent in receptions.
And it was in this conference in which the Chargers had their best-ever finish in their one-year run in seventh place with a 5-6 (win-loss) record.
In her anticipated absence, Akari's offense and net defense had much-needed boosts with the additions of former PVL champions Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo.
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