Alas Pilipinas debuts at AVC Challenge Cup

On Monday, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation introduced the Alas Pilipinas team that will compete in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women from May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

The squad is led by captain Jia De Guzman and includes PVL stars such as Sisi Rondina, Jen Nierva, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Eya Laure, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Dell Palomata, and Cherry Nunag.

Collegiate players like Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel from De La Salle University, and National University rookie Arah Panique are also part of the team.

Arah Panique replaced Casiey Dongallo who is recovering from an injury.

Former UAAP champions Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon were initially in contention but will miss the tournament due to school work and rehabilitation needs.

Coached by Jorge Souza de Brito, Alas Pilipinas started its campaign on May 23 against Australia and won all of their Pool A matches before losing to Kazakhstan in the semifinals.

The team now faces Australia again in the bronze medal match.