Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito feels delighted with the addition of outside spikers Bella Belen and Jema Galanza to the team for the FIVB Challenger Cup.
De Brito said on Thursday evening that the two new members of the Philippine team share the same qualities that a team needs – good receiving and good spiking.
“Both of them receive really good, both of them are good spikers. Both of them also have a good relationship with the guys,” said the Brazilian coach, whose contract got extended for a year after leading the nation to a first-ever medal in the continental stage.
“It helps a lot, we have more options at the back, options in front, and also it’s good for our setters because we can make a lineup that can receive and serve receive.”
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Belen is a two-time MVP in the UAAP with National University and is known not only for her scoring ways but also for her superb floor defense.
During Season 86, where she led the Lady Bulldogs to a second title in three years, Belen was the league’s second-best receiver (48.3-percent efficiency rate) and sixth-best digger (2.3 per set)
On the other hand, Creamline superstar Galanza also boasts the same attributes as Belen, being a solid contributor at the back line for the reigning PVL champions.
Alas will play tomorrow (Friday) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila in the knockout quarterfinals against Vietnam, the gold medalists of the AVC Challenge Cup.
The winner of the match will advance to the semifinals and will face the victorious team between Czechia and Argentina.
The champion of the Challenger Cup will qualify for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League.
