The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) was gratified with the huge turnout for the men and women’s national team tryouts which it hopes would translate to a podium finish in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games.

LVPI president Peter Cayco said national coaches Shaq delos Santos (women’s) and Dante Alinsunurin (men’s) now have a ‘good problem’ at their disposal in the wake of the large number of players who showed up and signified their intentions to play for flag and country.

Even more surprisingly was the attendance for the men’s squad held over the weekend at the University of the East and supervised by Rod Roque, the director in-charge for the men’s Philippine team.

Peter Cayco

“The two-day tryouts for the women’s national team was very good. All the players we were expecting arrived and attended,” said Cayco.

“Now for the men’s volleyball team tryouts, nag-mukhang miniscule yung sa women’s because a total of 85 attended. We’re very happy, the LVPI is very happy.”

Judging by the number of players who showed, the volleyball federation expressed optimism in its bid to win a medal in the volleyball events of the SEA Games scheduled Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“Podium finish ‘yan for the men’s and women’s. Kulay na lang ang pag-uusapan,” said Cayco at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at the Tapa King Restaurant at Farmers Plaza in Cubao. [We’ll win a medal; only the color is to be determined.]

“We’re confident of that,” added the LVPI president in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Cayco mentioned powerhouse Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam as the threats to the host team’s goal.

A similar team will also be formed in beach volleyball competitions, two men’s and two women’s squads.

“Yung beach volleyball ngayon pa lang kami magmi-meet for the coaching staff selection,” said Cayco. “Sana podium din, although mas confident ako sa indoor kasi nakikita ko at naa-assess namin ng maayos. Yung beach volleyball siguro after the tryouts maybe we can give you the fearless forecast.” [We’re meeting with the coaching staff for its choices. After the tryouts, maybe we can assess our chances.]

Tags: Dante Alinsunurin , Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas , Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. , LVPI , Peter Cayco , Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation , Southeast Asian Games