4 Cebuano spikers make 18-man roster for SEAG

PROUD CEBUANOS. The four Cebuano spikers who are included in the 18-man squad for the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) flank men’s national team mentor Sinfronio Acaylar. The four are John Kenneth Sarcena, Relan Taneo, Dave Cabaron and John Eduard Carascal.
contributed photo

Four Cebuano spikers are in the cusp of donning the nation’s tricolors in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Malaysia after they were selected in the 18-man roster of the Philippine Men’s Volleyball Team.

A source from the national squad told Cebu Daily News Friday morning that 2015 Cesafi Most Valuable Player Dave Cabaron, John Kenneth Sarcena, John Eduard Carascal and Relan Taneo have cracked the 18-man lineup which will be trimmed to 12, less than a week before the biennial SEAG.

Men’s national team mentor Sinfronio Acaylar also confirmed on Friday afternoon that he has already made the selection at the Arellano Gym and admitted that it was tough for him to let go of some good players.

“I called up all the coaches. Lahat ng coaches pinapili ko ng 18 players. Ito na yung final. I think ito na yung magbibigay ng medal sa bansa natin” Acaylar said.

Acaylar added that the players who made the lineup were graded based not only on their volleyball skills but also their on eagerness and commitment to the team.

Among those who failed to make the cut were Cebuano Rey Taneo, Mark Deximo, Howard Mojica, Peter Torres, Anjo Pertiera, and Eddiemar and Esmail Kasim.

The others who will join the four Cebuanos in the 18-man lineup were team captain John Vic de Guzman, Bryan Bagunas, Bonjomar Castel, Herschel Ramos, Mark Alfafara, Alnakran Abdilla, Reyson Fuentes, Jeff Malabanan, Louwie Chaves, Geuel Asia, Peter Quiel, Gregorio Dolor Jack Kalingking and Edward Camposano.

Meanwhile, the 18-women team will be led by multi-titled Alyssa Valdez alongside Denden Lazaro, Dawn Macandili, Abegail Maraño, Gen Casugod, Maika Ortiz, Mika Reyes, Lourdes Clemente, Jaja Santiago and Aiza Pontillas.

Completing the women’s team are Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kathleen Arado, Ces Molina, Rachel Anne Daquis, Ria Meneses, Kim Fajardo, Rhea Dimaculangan and Roselle Baliton.