De Guzman, Belen, Laure banner Alas Women’s Asian Games lineup
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
A blend of youth and veteran experience will be fielded by the Alas Pilipinas Women’s National Volleyball team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
In a list submitted by the Philippine Olympic Committee, team captain Jia Morado-Ge Duzman will still be at the forefront, backstopped by the explosive offensive duo of Bella Belen and Eya Laure.
The trio was responsible for Alas’ historic breakthrough during the second leg of the Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup last month, where they captured the silver medal in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
After six bronze-medal finishes in the previous editions, the Filipinas finally ended their drought, marking the national team’s best finish in the SEA V. Cup behind De Guzman, Belen, and Laure.
Also included in the Asian Games pool is the returning Angel Canino, who missed the past SEA V. Cup legs due to prior commitment with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers.
A notable addition to Alas is Amie Provido, Canino’s teammate at DLSU, who was chosen to address the squad’s middle blocking woes.
Completing the team are Mars Alba, Alyssa Solomon, Erika Santos, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and Justine Jazareno.
However, Alas head coach Taka Minowa reiterated that the lineup is still temporary to accommodate members who are currently ramping up their recovery from injuries.
Minowa didn’t disclose the members on the idle list, but the players submitted by the POC will most likely fly to Japan and represent the PHL when the preliminary round kicks off on Sept. 16, 2026.
Alas will immediately face tough assignments after being drawn with World No. 7 China and World No. 39 Kazakhstan in Group B of the tournament.
China is fresh off a convincing FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League campaign as they advanced to the semifinals since 2023 after scoring a major upset over the USA in the quarterfinals, 15–25, 25–23, 25–20, 17–25, 15–13.
On the other hand, Kazakhstan is coming off a convincing AVC Women’s Cup campaign after finishing fourth. During the elimination phase, the national team recorded one of its biggest wins by defeating defending champion Vietnam, 3–2.
Despite the daunting challenge, Alas is ready to shock the world.
Puso! Laban Pilipinas!
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