National University rookie Arah Panique has been chosen to replace Casiey Dongallo in the Alas Pilipinas pool for the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, which will take place from May 22 to 29 in the country.
The University of the East ace player’s national team debut had to be postponed as she suffered a right arm injury.
Outgoing Alas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito confirmed the development in an interview with One Sports on Friday afternoon.
“We’re going to have a replacement for Dongallo, who has an injury. It will be Arah Panique. She’s joining us tomorrow,” said the outgoing Brazilian coach.
“She played a little bit less than the other players from NU,” he continued, as Lady Bulldogs main gunners Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon begged off due to academic and recovery reasons.
Panique, a 6-foot outside hitter, will join Faith Nisperos, Vanie Gandler, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Angel Canino in the wing spiker position.
Panique, 19 and a product of Naga College Foundation, performed well in limited minutes during NU’s title run in UAAP Season 86, which concluded just last Wednesday, May 15.
Completing the pool are setters Jia De Guzman and Julia Coronel; liberos Jen Nierva and Dawn Catindig; and middle blockers Fifi Sharma, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, and Thea Gagate.
The Philippines’ Pool A campaign in the upcoming tournament will start on Thursday, May 23, against Australia at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
