MANILA — While her thousands of fans are getting worked up with the possibility of her getting cut from the SEA Games-bound national team, Aiza Maizo looked unfazed Tuesday when she talked to Rivals regarding the issue.
Though nothing is final yet on who’s going to take the 12 coveted spots in the PH delegation to the biennial event, Maizo revealed she was already informed that the final spot is now a toss-up between her and fellow Ilongga Jovelyn Gonzaga.
“Ayun nga, not sure pa. Wala pang sinasabi. Kasi sabi nila, Thursday pa malalaman ‘yung final lineup talaga.” Maizo said nonchalantly.
“Pero ang pinagbabasehan dun, kung sino ang makakapasok sa final 12, ako o si Jovelyn,” she added. “Sinabi sa akin na kapag umabot ang letter ni Jovelyn, ako ‘yung out. Pag hindi umabot, siya ‘yung hindi makakasama.”
Being one of the most awarded spikers in the country, you’d think that the 5-foot-10 opposite should be a shoo-in in the SEA Games lineup. But with too many talented players that has flocked the sport in the past few years, the competition has been stiffer than ever.
But with her patented cool and composed demeanor, Maizo has this to say on the thought of not making the final cut: “Wala naman akong reaksyon. Nag-usap lang kami ni Jovelyn na kung sinuman makapasok, suportahan na lang bawat isa.”
Showing no signs of superstar complex despite being one of the most lethal attackers in the local scene, Maizo continued to show up to training, holding on to the slim possibility that she will get to represent the country in Singapore come June.
“Wala pang sinasabi kung in o out kaya pag hindi conflict sa training namin sa Cagayan, pumupunta pa din ako sa training doon,” she said. “Pag hindi talaga kaya pumunta, dahil ‘yun sa training sa Cagayan. Kasi nga semis so kailangan mag focus.”
With the national team coaching staff set to announce the 12 names anytime today, it is endearing that the former UST stalwart asked the fans to support whoever is in the roster, with or without her.
“Accept na lang natin kasi siyempre, sila din naman ‘yung nagde-desisyon. Support na lang natin kung sino ‘yung nandiyan sa final 12 na ‘yan. Coaches know better naman.” Maizo said.
And now that her club team Cagayan Valley is already out of contention for the 12th Shakey’s V-League Open Conference gold, the mother of one says life goes on as she and the rest of her teammates prepare for the next tournaments to come.
“Tuloy pa rin siguro training. Pahinga lang ng saglit. Tapos training ulit kasi dadating na ‘yung Cagayan Friendship Games.” she closed. — Rivals 2015
Source: Mac Dioniso of Rivals PH
