“We are all just training and are of the same age so there is no reason to be intimidated,” said Megan Hernandez, a standout from the University of Santo Tomas.
Leading scorer Xyz Rayco, who starred in the AVC U16 Championship, echoed the same mindset.
“We have to show that we can compete with them,” Rayco said.
Assistant coach Oliver Balse believes the team can match up with taller opponents through skill and preparation.
“In age-group, the level of skills is the same. There are tall players of course but in terms of skills, we can match up well against them,” Balde added.
The Philippines is bracketed in Pool B with China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia and Venezuela.
National University’s Khaira Manzano, Irish May Mahinay, Frances Dianne Ramos and Jhaynna Bulandres are also on the squad with Bacolod Tay Tung’s Madele Gale, King’s Montessori School’s Sharina Lleses, Caera Celis of St. John’s Institute, Ateneo’s Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia, UST’s Taj Arkhea Teves, Nadeth Herbon of Leyte National High School and Jello Andrea Mauricio of San Felipe Neri Catholic School.
Host Chile heads Pool A featuring Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Turkiye and the US.
Pool C has Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, Japan and Poland.
Italy and Korea are In Pool D with Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei.
