August 9 ------ Jennifer Nierva broke her silence on the Philippine National Volleyball Federation releasing her and the rest of National University from the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team pool.
In a tweet, the erstwhile captain of the national team stressed that it was the team’s “safety” that was prioritized that resulted in them not committing to play in the ongoing 2022 PVL Invitational Conference semifinals. “Our safety is the topmost priority,” read the NU seniors’ tweet, speaking on behalf of the team.
Last Friday, a member of the Kobe Shinwa Women’s University team tested positive for COVID-19. The rest of the team were close contacts which resulted in the university opting to cancel their participation in the semis. On Saturday, with the recommendation of PWNVT head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito and clearance from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, the national team was brought in to be the sixth team in the tournament. However, NU team manager Bing See Diet did not agree to it, citing “possible injuries” that can happen to the players.
There were no tune-ups slated for the PWNVT in the lead-up to the AVC Cup for Women as the varsity squads are on break while the club teams are still competing in the PVL. The three eliminated teams in the pro league are also on break.China’s Under-20 team was reportedly having tune-ups with the then-PWNVT. After See Diet’s decision, the PNVF decided to release all the NU players from the national team pool and make the best local team that will come out of the PVL Invitational be the Philippine representatives for the continental meet.
Despite what happened, Nierva remains grateful to the federation. “Still, we’re grateful for everything. This will not stop us from mastering our craft. I know that no efforts nor sacrifices would be wasted. Time to work harder and come back stronger,” she said as they shift focus on the Lady Bulldogs’ buildup for UAAP Season 85.
Source: tiebreakertimes.com