Akari's Bang Pineda has been announced as the replacement for PVL All-Filipino Conference 2023 Best Libero Kath Arado, who has begged off from the team citing the need to recover from injuries sustained in the recently concluded tournament. This development was confirmed by PNVF national team committee chairman Tony Boy Liao.
Arado, who was part of last year's Southeast Asian Games team, will be replaced by the talented Pineda, who will join Creamline's Kyla Atienza as the team's other libero. This development comes as the team prepares for the upcoming continental meet, where they will face Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore in Group B.
The rest of the team is composed of Jia De Guzman, Celine Domingo, Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, and Michele Gumabao of Creamline; Gel Cayuna and Glaudine Troncoso from Cignal; Dell Palomata from PLDT; Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino from Choco Mucho, and Mylene Paat from Chery Tiggo.
To prepare for the upcoming competition, the PWNVT is set to leave for Japan on Thursday for a camp that will last until April 28. This will be an important opportunity for the team to bond and hone their skills ahead of the tournament.
Despite Arado's absence, the team remains optimistic and determined to perform well in the tournament. With the addition of Pineda and the talent of the rest of the team, they are ready to face their opponents and represent the Philippines with pride.
