UE’s Ja Lana has decided to turn pro and play for PVL debutants Capital1. UAAP photo
UE standouts Lana, Quizon to join new PVL team
UNIVERSITY of the East standouts Ja Lana and Gel Quizon have opted to turn pro and will suit up for Premier Volleyball League debutants Capital1 Solar Energy.
A good mix of young and veteran players will comprise the Solar Spikers in their maiden stint in the All-Filipino Conference which opens shop on Feb. 20.
Lana and Quizon will join former Far Eastern University star Heather Guino-o and Jannine Navarro, who helped power College of Saint Benilde to its first-ever NCAA championship in 2016, will spearhead Capital 1.
Young Solar Spikers owners Mandy and Milka Romero and comebacking champion coach Roger Gorayeb are also pinning their hopes on ex-La Salle player Arianne Layug, National University’s Jorelle Singh for the extra offense.
Playing for Capital1, Gorayeb said, will give these players added motivation and prove their worth that they deserve to have a spot in the PVL.
“Gutom sa playing time ang mga iyan, so they have this great desire to win games. Abangan ninyo na lang sila,” Gorayeb said.
Other members of the Solar Spikers are former F2 Logistics player Rovee Instrella, Jose Rizal University stalwarts Kia Melgar and Syd Niegos.
Also in the Capital 1 roster are Des Clemente, Shyra Umandal, Cathrina Dizon, Kath Villegas, May Macatuno, Rica Rivera and Bingle Landicho.
Five more players, including three veterans, will be added the Solar Spikers before the pro league begins.
The Romero sisters – coming from sports oriented family – are convinced their players will go out and play their level best each game given another opportunity to prove their worth.
“This will be a good opportunity for them to shine and be recognized so we are giving our all-out support to the team,” said Mandy, who heads the family-owned solar energy company. “My sister and I are hoping we can grow together in support of PH sports, especially volleyball.”
Milka, a former Ateneo women’s football captain, said: “We are not in a hurry, we take it one step at time until we build a winning culture. That’s our goal.”
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