NOT everyone gets the opportunity to wear the Negros Occidental colors, thus, for the Abanse Negrense spikers, representing the province in a national tournament is an honor.
The Negrense spikers will be competing in the PSL (Philippine Super Liga) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup 2021 at Subic Bay Metropolitan Administration, Zambales from February 26 to28, 2021 -- the first official volleyball tournament to be played since the lockdown in March of last year.
For the 29-year-old Jennifer Cosas from Silay City, having the province joining the PSL for the first time, “I feel honored and proud to be selected to represent the province.”
Bacolod City-hailed Alexa Polidario can't really describe how she feels knowing that she would be given a chance to represent the province.
“It's been a privilege, and I am blessed beyond measure. I'll surely do my best to make the Negrenses proud,” the 23-year-old spiker from Brgy, Cabug said.
Meanwhile, Pontevedra-pride Erjane Magdato, 24, also felt grateful for the opportunity that she and her teammates can bring pride, joy, and inspiration to all Negrenses, especially to all aspiring athletes in beach volleyball.
“It's a great honor and excitement for me to represent our province in this event which I waited for so long,” she added.
Abanse Negrense Team A is represented by Polidario and Magdato while Team B is composed of Cosas and the youngest in the team, 21-year-old Gelimae Villanueva from Talisay City.
Carmela Arcolas-Gamboa, Volleyball Association of Negros Island, Inc. president and Philippine National Volleyball Federation director, felt thrilled that volleyball leagues like PSL are starting again after a year of hiatus because of the pandemic.
“I’m sure all the fans feel the same way. I hope this continues for 2021 because, the newly formed NSA, PNVF has so many plans for this year,” she said.
“Second, I feel grateful to Gov. Bong Lacson and the province for their full support. Lastly, I feel honored and challenged to have been given this opportunity. Also, thankful for the two teams under Coach Jason Delmo for their cooperation and eagerness. I hope and pray that God will guide us and that we will make our province proud,” she added.
Other teams seeing action in this tournament are Kennedy Solar Energy-Petrogazz - Ariane Luna Alarcon and Christina Canares; United Auctioneers, Inc. - Ella Viray and Theresa Ramas; Sta. Lucia Realtors A - DM Demontano and Jackielyn Estoquia; Sta. Lucia Realtors B - Siela Marie Pineda and Jona Sabete; F2 Logistics-Jenny Mar Senares and Kyla Anela Gallego; and Tobys Sports - Jona San Pedro and Javen Salas.