ROGER Gorayeb assured that Aiza Maizo-Pontillas is going to Singapore for the Southeast Asian Games, just hours after naming a 12-woman volleyball team that did not include the former University of Santo Tomas standout.
On Friday morning Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. president Joey Romasanta announced the official roster made up of Alyssa Valdez, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jaja Santiago, Bea De Leon, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aby Maraño, Jia Morado, Maika Ortiz, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Gretcel Soltones and Denden Lazaro.
Although Maizo-Pontillas was final cut from what had been a 13-member pool, Gorayeb assured the utility spiker will be joining the team in the trip to Singapore as an assistant coach and a reserve.
"Si Maizo nakausap ko siya kanina. Sinabi ko sa kanya na standby siya, makakasama namin siya sa Singapore," Gorayeb told Spin.ph.
[See Perfect attendance brightens mood in practice as SEA Games team buckles down to work]
Maizo-Pontillas, the coach said, will be taking a place in the coaching staff in lieu of Parley Tupaz, who was tasked to stay behind to coach the Ateneo Lady Eagles while head coach Tai Bundit is in the SEA Games as Gorayeb's assistant.
"Kasi si Parley, to make it clear, hindi pinayagan ng Ateneo na sumama dahil walang maiiwan dito sa practice ng Ateneo (women's volleyball team), si Tai (Bundit) rin ang nag-decide na 'wag na isama si Parley," said Gorayeb.
Maizo-Pontillas will be elevated to active duty in the event of injury or illness, Gorayeb said.
"Kung sakali mang at the start of the Southeast Asian Games may magkasakit or what, nandoon siya ipapasok namin siya," he added. "Kung hindi naman mangyayari 'yun, isasama namin siya sa coaching staff."
Maizo, however, didn't show up during the team practice on Friday night at the Blue Eagle gym.
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