Jia de Guzman and Angel Canino will be bringing home the much-deserved Best Setter and Best Opposite Spiker awards after spearheading Alas Pilipinas’ historic campaign in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
De Guzman’s steady leadership and superb playmaking undoubtedly brought out the best in Alas Pilipinas, which relied on several heroes in its impressive 4-0 campaign in the group stage.
Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, and Fifi Sharma all had their moments in Alas Pilipinas’ dream run, which saw them secure a bronze medal – the country’s first since joining the AVC in 1961.
Key reserves such as Faith Nisperos, Vanie Gandler, and Cherry Nunag also got their share of the spotlight thanks to the balanced playmaking of the eight-time PVL Best Setter.
Meanwhile, Canino served as the Philippines’ main weapon on the offensive end.
The Philippines, following a dominant run in pool play, dropped to the battle for third after suffering a straight-set defeat in the semifinals at the hands of Kazakhstan.
Their opponents eventually lost to defending champion Vietnam in the final.
Alas Pilipinas then went on to redeem itself with a rousing sweep of Australia to secure a podium finish.
Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, who led Vietnam’s title retention, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Sana Anarkulova of Kazakhstan and Caitlin Tipping nabbed the Best Outside Hitter awards.
Meanwhile, Yuliya Yakimova (Kazakhstan) and Le Thanh Thuy (Vietnam) bagged the Best Middle Blocker awards.
Vietnam’s Nguyen Khanh Dang completed the list of awardees after claiming the Best Libero award.
