Newcomer Strong Group Athletics is tempering expectations in its debut in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Tapping a handful of experienced players mixed with a majority of pro novices, the second club of the franchise owned by businessman Frank Lao’s main mission is to lay the foundation for its expansion program.
SGA took over the slot of the embattled club, Gerflor. It is the sister team of Farm Fresh, which is just in its third tournament with the league after joining last season’s Invitational Conference.
“We don’t want any expectations from them because they’re a very, very young team. Farm Fresh is a young team but this team is younger,” SGA assistant coach Kiara Cruz said.
The club will be handled by former Adamson University coach Onyok Getigan with veterans Lilet Mabbayad, Jana Sta. Maria and setter Vira Gillema leading the way.
Also on the team are ex-Ateneo de Manila University role players Jean Arriane Licauco and Ayumi Furukawa.
“As a very new team, of course, boss Frank (Lao) really just wants to give the opportunity for these kids to play,” Cruz added.
Other members of the squad are University of the Philippines product Sheeka Espinosa, Souzan Raslan, Justine Rebleza, Mary Joy Onofre, Grenlen Malapit, Noheli Cerdena, former Lady Falcon Chumcee Caole, Dolly Versoza, Sarah Verutiao, Javen Sabas, Jan Cane, Nikkie Baldizanso, Valiza Fornillos, Merry Jauculan and Melanie Romero.
“We can say that our players are no-names but are hungry to prove that they can compete. We just want them to have the opportunity, that’s what we want,” the team official added.
SGA had a short time in forming its roster as it just opened a tryout just a couple of weeks before the PVL officially unwraps its 2024 season on 20 February.
The expansion team gets a baptism of fire as it takes on top title contender and reinforced Petro Gazz on the scheduled 4 p.m. curtain-raiser on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Angels are coming off a successful conquest of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League behind newly recruited Filipino-American Brooke Van Sickle.
