PNVF to field PVL Invitational champs in AVC Cup instead of NU-bannered national team

After the National University-bannered Philippine national women’s volleyball team withdrew from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference semifinals, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) decided to field instead the eventual champions of the tournament for the 2022 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women.

The PNVF made the decision on Sunday after the NU Lady Bulldogs' management begged off from the PVL tournament due to possible injuries which could be sustained by the 12 players in the tournament.

The volleyball body said they have reached out to PVL president Ricky Palou about it, and an agreement was made to lend the PVL players for the AVC Cup. Palou is also the PNVF treasurer.

PNVF president Tats Suzara said they will also ask PVL to include Trisha Genesis (Akari) and Jelai Gajero (California Precision Sports) to be included in the team of the eventual PVL Invitational champs for the AVC Cup.

The PNVF’s decision also entailed the release of the 12 NU players and coaching staff from the national team program.

“We have been compelled to make this difficult yet important decision due to the recent turn of events within the team's training schedule and corresponding availability. We feel that the said student-athletes and coaches, alongside the team manager Engineer Bing Diet,  may not be able to commit to perform at their best level given a number of restrictions and conditions that hinder the continuous conduct of training and overall program,” the PNVF said in its letter to NU president Dr. Carlos Ermita, Jr.

“However difficult it may have been, please trust that with this decision, we have considered to serve only the best interests and utmost welfare of the student-athletes, the coaches, the university management, the national team program, while keeping aligned with PNVF's strategic goals as a National Federation, fully responsible and accountable for the sport of volleyball in the Philippines,” it added.

Players released from the national team include Ivy Lacsina, Mhicaela Belen, Shaira Jardio, Evangeline Alinsug, Cess Robles, Sheena Toring, Jen Nierva, Nicole Mata, Alyssa Solomon, Camilla Lamina, Kamille Cal, and Joyme Cagande.

Earlier, the PVL also decided to push through with the tournament with only five teams remaining in the semis.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News