Philippine volleyball stars set for AVC Challenge Cup

Philippine volleyball stars Angel Canino and Bella Belen are set to represent the country in the AVC Challenge Cup from May 22 to 29 at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Canino, who is recovering from a right forearm injury but eager to play alongside La Salle teammates Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel as well as National University's Belen, feels honored to follow in her father’s footsteps.

The team includes players from Denso Airybees, Choco Mucho, Cignal, PLDT, and PVL stars Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva of Chery Tiggo, under the guidance of Coach Jorge Souza De Brito.

Coach Souza expressed happiness at having many committed players who were part of his first lineup in 2021, despite delays in player clearance.

Canino and Belen are excited to play alongside veterans like Jia de Guzman, Sisi Rondina, and Dawn Macandili-Catindig, as well as other young UAAP players.

The Philippines aims to improve on their seventh-place finish from last year and will compete in Pool A against Chinese Taipei, India, Iran, and Australia.