Fresh from leading the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) to the NCAA men’s beach volleyball crown, Cebuano siblings Rey and Relan Taneo will join fellow Cebuanos Alden Dave Cabaron, John Kenneth Sarcena and John Eduard Carascal in the 25-man pool of the Philippine Men’s Volleyball team.
National team head coach Sinfronio Acaylar released the 25-man pool to the media yesterday which includes the Taneo brothers whom he believed can provide depth and versatility to the lineup.
“Relan is the best setter this NCAA and he passed all the test and his character is okay while Rey Taneo is opposite hitter at the same time a setter and both are young and have a lot of potential,” Acaylar said.
Upon learning the news, Relan, the older of the Taneo brothers who hails from Liloan, Cebu expressed his joy and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the 12-man team which will be competing in the Southeast Asian Games.
Aside from the Taneo brothers, Carascal, Sarcena and Cabaron, other players who made it into the 25-man pool were Mark Deximo, Geuel Asia, John Vic De Guzman, Alnakran Abadilla, Howard Mojica, Mark Alfafara, Peter Torres, Lorenzo Capate, Bonjomar Castel, Reyson fuentes, Herschel Ramos, Louwie Chaves, Jack Kalingking, John Paul Bugaoan, Eddiemar Kasim, Esmail Kasim, Peter John Quiel, Anjo Pertiera, Erickson Ramos and Jeff Malabanan.
Meanwhile, three-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Gretchel Soltones also made it to the women’s team alongside the phenom Alyssa Valdez, Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Kim Dy, Kim Fajardo and Dawn Macandili.
The players who were invited during last Sunday’s tryouts were Tolentino, Madayag, Dy, Macandili, Toni Basas, Remy Palma, Jia Morado and Jasmine Nabor.
Other players who made the women’s cut were Lourdes Clemente, Denden Lazaro, Gen Casugod, Rachel Daquis, Maika Ortiz, Dindin Manabat, Bia General, Aiza Pontillas, Roselle Baliton, Kathleen Arado, Ria Meneses, Myla Pablo, Mika Reyes, Elaine Kasilag, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Aby Maraño.