Overtime

PNVF TAPS TOLENADA TO FILL IN GONZAGA’S SPOT IN INDOOR VBALL NT POOL

Fil-Am setter Iris Tolenada will be joining the rest of the national team roster later this month as a replacement for Jovelyn Gonzaga, as per the National Team Commission head Tony Boy Liao.

/ 23 April 2021

The 5-foot-9 was tapped by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to take over Gonzaga’s spot in the indoor women’s volleyball national team tryouts as the latter announced on Wednesday that she will be focusing on the women’s beach volleyball program.

The development was affirmed to the Tiebreaker Times by PNVF National Team Commission head Tony Boy Liao.

“We sent her invitation letter and she has confirmed her attendance,” averred Liao.

The 29-year-old playmaker will be flying from California to the country later this week.

Tolenada is not new in Philippine volleyball as she had many several appearances in its local tournaments and international stint. 

Back in 2015, Tolenada became part of the national squad that competed in the 2015 Asian Championships.

Then in 2019, she was also pooled in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where, unfortunately, the Philippines placed fourth in the overall ranking.

Currently, Tolenada was assigned as the volleyball director of Fil-Am Nation and is a free agent after the disbandment of Motolite. 

The 2016 V-League best setter is expected to join the country’s fellow setters that consist of Rhea Dimaculangan (PLDT), Kim Fajardo (F2 Logistics), Alohi Robins (Cignal HD), Jia Morado (Creamline), Jasmine Nabor (Chery Tiggo), and Kamille Cal (NU).

The national team tryouts for the women’s indoor is said to tip-off on April 29 in Subic Gym.