Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba will step in for former team captain Jia De Guzman at the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, set to take place this weekend at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Flying Titans playmaker will make her debut with the national team in De Guzman’s temporary absence due to her commitments with the Denso Airbees in the Japan SV.League.
Alba, a standout La Salle product, will have big shoes to fill ahead of Alas’ back-to-back friendly matches against the nine-time champions Saga Hisamitsu Springs in Japan’s top-tier league.
The 5-foot-7 setter, a Finals MVP in the Lady Spikers’ UAAP Season 85 triumph, was used sparingly by Choco Mucho in the recently concluded Reinforced Conference due to the presence of Deanna Wong.
She will share playmaking duties with fellow La Salle setter Julia Coronel, who has been with the team since its historic bronze-medal finish at the AVC Challenge Cup last May.
The rest of the Alas Pilipinas women’s team includes new team captain Dawn Catindig, Faith Nisperos, Vanie Gandler, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Jen Nierva, Dell Palomata, Alyssa Solomon, Arah Panique, Thea Gagate, Sisi Rondina, and Cherry Nunag.
(C) AVC
Meanwhile, the Alas men’s team will also be without their primary playmaker, Owa Retamar. EJ Casana and Adrian Villados will take on the role of setters.
The men’s team roster comprises Kim Malabunga, Josh Ybanez, Vince Lorenzo, Jade Disquitado, JP Bugaoan, Noel Kampton, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Choi Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Buds Buddin.
Alas will face the Springs to open the friendlies later today at 3 p.m., while their men’s counterparts will clash against Osaka Bluteon at 6 p.m.
