Malaysia, Vietnam to challenge PHL squads for V-League SEA Club title

Malaysia and Vietnam are out to challenge the Philippine Army and Ateneo for the V-League Southeast Asian Club Invitational, which opens next week at The Arena in San Juam City. Both teams have confirmed their participation in the four-team, four-day tournament starting on October 27 said Moying Martelino of the organizing Sports Vision. "This tournament will somehow gauge the progress of Philippine women’s volley, which we’ve been helping to develop through the V-League," said Martelino. Malaysia will be bannered by the core of its national team that is set to compete in next month’s SEA Games in Indonesia. Vietnam, however, is the early favorite to rule the inaugural tournament as the squad boast of a pair of Russian six-footers—Trernai Anactaxi and Martynova Ekoterina. But the Lady Troopers, who topped the first Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, are out to prove their worth. Former V-League Most Valuable Players (MVP’s) Michelle Carolino and Mary Jean Balse, national team mainstays Mayette Carolino, Cristina Salak, Jen Reyes and Rachel Anne Daquis will carry the fight for the Lady Troopers. The Lady Eagles, on the other hand, hope to spring another surprise finish after placing third in the V-League Open Conference. The team is built around Alyssa Valdez, Fille Cainglet, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, Aerieal Patnongon and Denise Lazaro. The tournament will follow a round-robin format with the top two teams clashing for the title. The third and fourth placers will battle for third place. Games will be played at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. — JVP, GMA News