ASIAN Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara isn’t concerned about PLDT’s early exit in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals to Choco Mucho.
READ AVC Champions League Pool all set, PLDT draws 'group of death'
Instead, Suzara deemed such a tough blow as much-needed reality check for one of three Philippine representatives to the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League from Apr. 20 to 27 in Pasig City.
“The games were very close, both were five-setters. I think when you have two teams who are really strong, it's a matter of mind. Not all about power, it's about mind games,” Suzara said, who was in attendance during Game Two of their quarterfinals duel at the Philsports Arena.
“PLDT lost […] but I think it's a good eye-opener for strong teams to really study the weakest points and strongest points of any teams.”
He also tipped his hat to both Savi Davison and Sisi Rondina, the team’s central wingers, for their tireless performances in the series.
READ: Sisi, Savi left it all out on the floor in thrilling QF encounter
“I see (Savi) Davison who is making points for PLDT, and (Sisi) Rondina, who is a very seasoned national team player, a medalist for beach volleyball, who is really very wise. When you are a beach volleyball player and you go back to indoor, mas lalo kang gagaling” said Suzara.
"That was the advantage, the experience they have.
“I wish them good luck, but I still think that PLDT that they are ready for the Champion's League. “
Suzara urged the three-team Philippine contingent, including Creamline and Petro Gazz, to have each and every player of their 14-woman rosters to be ready to step into the international playing field at any given time during the week-long tournament.
Only through playing squads with talent, depth and chemistry can any of the PVL’s powerhouse trio stand a chance against some of Asia’s finest club teams.
“If you have five-setters, lahat ng 14 players should be ready to play. Don't focus on the starting six. The second six should be ready too,” Suzara said.
“That's why in international competitions like Brazil or Italy, dapat yung 14 players are always ready when you have a five-setter because there are days when a player is okay, but there a days when they are not.
While it isn’t wishful thinking to have at least one of the three PVL teams to enter the knockout stage in the 12-team field, the AVC and PNVF chief hopes that they’ll be able to put on a show for an emerging volleyball country like the Philippines for the rest of the world to see.
“My wish is that all three [Philippine] teams will go to the next round, kasi they both play two matches 'eh, I hope they make it to the next round for the Top 8 because the below 4 will have to leave," Suzara said.
“I’m hoping na manalo lang tayo ng isa, pasok na tayo sa top 8.”
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