MANILA, Philippines–The brand new-look Alas Pilipinas squad defends home court within the AVC Women’s Nations Cup from June 6 to 14 on the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Despite several challenges, the Philippine women’s national volleyball team stays focused on fighting for the country’s pride against its Asian rivals after reaching the rostrum in each of the last two editions.
Who’s playing within the AVC Women’s Nations Cup
Twelve teams are competing within the tournament in Candon.
The Philippines is in Pool A with powerhouses Chinese Taipei and South Korea, in addition to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Australia.
Defending champion Vietnam, meanwhile, banners Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Lebanon.
The pool stage will probably be played in a single round-robin format, with only the highest two teams from each group advancing to the knockout semifinals.
What went before
Alas Pilipinas in the course of the AVC Women’s Nations Cup final against Vietnam.–AVC PHOTO
Alas reached the finals last yr–the country’s first championship appearance within the AVC–but settled for silver after losing to Vietnam.
The nationals were led by Jia De Guzman, a two-time tournament Best Setter, and Angel Canino under Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
Canino has been Alas’ most important offensive weapon previously two years. She debuted for the national team in 2024 in a distinct position but still emerged because the Best Opposite Spiker within the country’s bronze-medal finish at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Last yr, Canino returned to her natural position and won Best Outside Spiker honors.
Alas was also led by Alyssa Solomon, who had a change of heart and returned to this system this yr, together with Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura, Dawn Catindig, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma and Vanie Gandler.
A lot of the national team mainstays from last yr’s squad begged off from this yr’s tournament, forcing this system to tap former national team players and newcomers.
Who’s playing for Alas Pilipinas
Alas Pilipinas interim coach Shaq Delos Santos with players Alyssa Valdez, Niña Ytang, Ces Molina and Jov Gonzaga in the course of the PSA Forum.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina, and Jovelyn Gonzaga are reunited within the national team for the reason that 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
The trio will lead a new-look roster with Alas mainstays Alyssa Solomon and Thea Gagate.
Creamline stars Tots Carlos, Kyle Negrito and Kyla Atienza may also return to international competition after their club represented the national team in 2022.
Veterans Ara Galang, Royse Tubino and Alyssa Eroa earned their first opportunity to represent the country, joining collegiate standouts Niña Ytang, Tin Ubaldo and Cla Loresco.
Shaq Delos Santos will function interim coach after Tai Bundit figured in an accident in Bangkok.
The FIVB tasked the AVC to assist make sure the successful staging of the tournament by monitoring the Local Organizing Committee led by the Singson group and the town of Candon after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) was suspended last week.
Hila Asanuma, the FIVB-appointed Ad Hoc Committee head, assured that the committee’s “immediate priorities include supporting the participation of Philippine national teams in upcoming international competitions.”
The PNVF was suspended by each the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee last week.
Who’s saying what
Creamline Cool Smashers’ star Alyssa Valdez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Although she has been away from international competition for the reason that 2023 Southeast Asian Games and saw a reduced role with Creamline within the PVL, Alyssa Valdez stays committed to helping the national team at any time when called upon.
“I won’t ever get bored with representing the country,” Valdez said. “And hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, we will help [the team] in our own little ways.”
Valdez, along with Molina and Gonzaga, hopes to bring pride to the country after the trio last played together in 2019, when the Philippines suffered a heartbreaking five-set loss to Indonesia within the bronze-medal match.
“It’s just hard to say no to the Philippines,” said Gonzaga.
“Our ability is our availability. That is essentially the most available we’re as athletes and the way we are able to contribute to the national team. Hopefully, this all pays off, and we’ll see. We imagine.”
It could be a retooled Alas team with limited preparation, but Delos Santos believes that these nationals have the fight in them.
“We now have these players who’re committed to representing our country,” said the Alas interim coach.
“We’re focused on the concept this team built and the players included will do their roles in not only working together but additionally in fighting for the Philippines.”