NMIVA selects CNMI Indoor team

With the clock ticking toward Saipan’s first hosting of the Micronesian Games since its revival in 1990, the Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association has released the names of the leapers who will rise to the occasion and be part of the CNMI National Men’s and Women’s Volleyball teams this summer.

The women will be well represented by a mixture of youth, experience, speed, and skill as Mayumi Aguon, Kadya Peter, Erika Komatsu, Benylynn Mettao, Dolores Rangamar, Sia Maui Dela Cruz, Andrea Hofschneider, Sheila Francisco, E.J. Lee, Melissa Halaby, Jasmine Anastacio, Stephanie Arnold, Teresa Miller, Rika Matsumoto, and Arcy Moncrief made the list.

Each have their strengths and weaknesses, but the unique combination of attributes should serve the CNMI well this summer, as the best of Micronesia will come to Saipan with both barrels blazing.

On the men’s side, Taula Peter will lead the 2006 squad with Alex Olopai, Jonas Barcinas, Jazz Roskow, Nick Castro, Marino Pungilug, Jess Palacios, Kashii Kukkun, Jason Ruluked, Peter Bocago, Pedro Iguel, Myron Laniyo, Henry Magofña, and Max Kuan.

With experience ranging from the beach, to the hard court, and Rocball, the men’s team will have a potent mix of raw power and finesse when they face the region’s top teams, but they have to work as a unit if they plan to break into the win column.

According to NMIVA officials, the selection was based upon head coach Kitinan Intharaluk’s expertise and recommendation, and the Bangkok Bomber said that the door remains open to a few of the Commonwealth’s heroes.

“I talked to the guys who just came back from the Middle East and I told them to come to practice and I’ll make the cuts again in a couple of months,” said Intharaluk.

Since a number of players selected to both the men’s and women’s teams are vying for slots on the beach side as well, Intharaluk said that he expanded his original 12-player roster to 15, and that he will just have to wait and see what happens after the sandy sots sort themselves out.

Last night, Intharaluk led the entire indoor program during its first practice, and started off by laying down a few ground rules to all of the all-stars. First of all, the players need to pay in full their NMIVA membership. Second, Intharaluk said that he needed a commitment to excellence from the teams that includes solid attendance at practice.

In order to aid the players, the volleyball association is also looking to provide the players with written requests to their employers to allow them extra time off for their training to help the CNMI give its best showing possible on the home turf.

If any of them should err along the way, Intharaluk has an anxious and able pool from which to pull in alternates to the main squad.

For more information about the 2006 CNMI National Men’s and Women’s Volleyball teams, contact Intharaluk via email at kittinana@gmail.com or via telephone by calling 235-6231 ext. # 5147.