The Philippine Olympic Committee is bringing back the battle-tested core of Alas Pilipinas Women for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
Team captain Jia De Guzman headlines the women’s national team pool, marking the return of several key players who sat out the recent AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon.
Japanese head coach Taka Minowa, who previously handled Akari and Nxled in the Premier Volleyball League, will steer the squad in the continental meet.
Rejoining the national team are Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Priovido, Arah Panique, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, Mars Alba, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, and Shaira Jardio.
(C) AVC
Thea Gagate, Alyssa Solomon, and Nina Ytang are the only holdovers from the hastily assembled Alas Pilipinas squad that competed in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup just weeks ago.
Shaina Nitura was initially included in the pool but will be sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery, with her recovery expected to take around three months.
Meanwhile, the men’s national team will once again be led by Italian tactician Angiolio Frigoni, who has been re-signed to coach an Alas Pilipinas squad composed largely of the players who competed in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo will once again spearhead the men’s team, joined by five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia, who is set to make his debut for the indoor national team.
Completing the roster are Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Alejos, and Trevor Valera.
