Daquis, Valdez lead national lineup for SEA Games volleyball; Maizo-Pontillas out

It's confirmed: Aiza Maizo-Pontillas missed the final cut for the national roster for the Southeast Asian Games women's volleyball tournament.

The 12-woman lineup includes Under-23 stalwarts Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Gretchel Soltones, Jia Morado, and Bea de Leon, together with veterans Rachel Anne Daquis, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Aby Maraño, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, and libero Denden Lazaro.

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) president Joey Romasanta announced the list on Friday via Sports Radio.

Pontillas created a stir last week after tweeting that she was replaced in the national team, but head coach Roger Gorayeb said that the roster was not yet finalized in online reports.

The veteran southpaw spiker, however, may still be inserted into the lineup as Romasanta said that they are planning to name a reserve player.

The national team will compete in the SEA Games for the first time since bagging the bronze medal in 2005 when the Philippines hosted the games.

The country won a total of six gold, two silver, and six bronze medals in the tournament since joining the games in 1977. -- JST, GMA News