Alas Pilipinas Women reload for SEA V-League opener

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Alas Pilipinas Women’s National Volleyball Team is going all out for the upcoming first leg of the Southeast Asian Volleyball League set to run from August 1 to 3 in Thailand.

After a sub-par campaign during the VTV Cup, the Filipina spikers will be fielding a well-oiled pool in the SEA V-League bolstered by the return of Angel Canino, Bella Belen, and Alyssa Solomon.

The young offensive trifecta didn’t participate in the VTV Cup after taking a much-needed rest and are now in full strength once they travel to Thailand.

Canino, Belen, and Solomon led Alas Pilipinas to a runner-up finish during the AVC Nations Cup, as the collegiate trio took turns in handling the scoring department against the best teams from around the world.

Joining the trio in the team’s scorers’ pool are Eya Laure, Shaina Nitura, Vanie Gandler, Leila Cruz, and Cla Loresco.

Anchoring Alas’ defensive area in the middle are veteran specialists Dell Palomata, Maddie Madayag, Fifi Sharma, and The Gagate.

Mars Alba, one of the few new additions to the pool, will be making her debut as a setter for Alas, alongside team captain Jia Morado-de Guzman.

Manning the floor coverage for the national team is the 1-2 libero punch of Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig, who have already built chemistry during the VTV Cup.

According to Alas’ head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Tia Andaya were not included in the pool due to concerns regarding federation clearance.

After Alas’ two-day campaign in the first leg, the Filipinas will fly to Vietnam for the second leg scheduled on August 8 to 10.