Strong Group is giving more athletes time to shine.
Strong Group Athletics will be relying on seasoned tactician Rogelio "Onyok" Getigan to steer a group of underdogs in its PVL debut in the All-Filipino Conference, which kicks off on February 20.
Getigan, a decorated coach in the high school circuit with a penchant for developing unripe talents, is eager to tap into the potential of SGA's lineup.
The new squad consists of aspirants from the amateur scene and former professionals.
However, assistant manager Kiara Cruz is tempering expectations.
"We don’t want any expectations from them... No names sila as in, siguro yung iba kilala niyo pero we just want them to have the opportunity, yun lang," Cruz said to reporters during the PVL press launch.
Providing much-needed experience for the squad is Dolly Verzosa.
Fellow veterans such as opposite spikers Souzan Raslan and Sheeka Espinosa; middle blockers Lilet Mabbayad, Mary Joy Onofre and Grenlen Malapit; outside spiker Javen Sabas; setters Sarah Verutiao and Vira May Guillema; as well as universal player Jana Sta. Maria will rally behind her.
Completing the cast are outside spikers Ayumi Furukawa and Grace Fornilos; outside spikers Justine Rebleza and Jan Angeli Cane; middle blockers Noheli Cerdeña and Nikkie Baldizanso; liberos Jean Arianne May Licauco and Melanie Romero; setter Chumcee Caole; and universal player Merry Rose Jauculan.
SGA, the sister team of Farm Fresh, is set for an early acid test as it faces PNVF Champions League winner Petro Gazz to open the season on February 20, 4 p.m., at the Philsports Arena.
It will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.