The 18th Asian Games isn’t the only tournament the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) considered in selecting members of the national women’s team.

According to LVPI president Joey Romasanta, they are looking at a long-term program that will culminate when the country hosts the 30th Southeast Asian Games next year.

In a roster assembled by national team coach Shaq Delos Santos, it’s obvious that the squad is meant to stay.

Rising stars Jia Morado, Dawn Macandili, Jaja Santiago, Kianna Dy and Majoy Baron were tapped to join stalwarts Alyssa Valdez, Frances Molina, Dindin Manabat, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo and team captain Aby Marano.

For good measure, he recruited only one veteran in Cha Cruz-Behag to provide leadership and stability inside and outside the court.

Two more veterans in Denden Lazaro and Rhea Dimaculangan were also put in the reserve list while young stars Bea de Leon, Lourdes Clemente and Risa Sato would be ready for deployment in the future, together with other members of the pool like Rebecca Rivera, MJ Philips, Myla Pablo and Mylene Paat, Maika Ortiz and CJ Rosario.

Romasanta said that while returning to the Asian Games after a 36-year absence is their top priority, they are also looking at joining other international tourneys as well as a two-week training in Japan before the SEA Games fires off next year.

“We’re looking way ahead of the Asian Games,” said Romasanta, also the first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Immediately after the Asian Games, we’re looking at competing in the AVC Asian Cup in Thailand in September and other international tournaments. This is our way of preparing the team for the SEA Games next year.”

Aside from regular training, the national team will also compete as a guest team in the Philippine Superliga (PSL).

The Nationals will open their bid against Cignal on June 28, before facing Sta. Lucia on June 30; F2 Logistics on July 7; Cocolife on July 10; Petron on July 12; Foton on July 14; Generika-Ayala on July 24; and Smart on July 26.

They will not clash with United Auctioneers-UP and Cherrylume-UE since they are entered as developmental squads.

Cayco said the PSL would be a great warm-up for the Nationals before plunging into international action.

“For me, the most important thing is to get mental toughness out of these exposures,” said Cayco.

“You can’t get (experience) anywhere else. You have to experience it. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, the ultimate goal is for these girls to get the exposure they need, he said”