The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) will keep the Alas Pilipinas Women roster that won a historic bronze medal in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup intact for future international tournaments.
PNVF president Tats Suzara said on Thursday, a day after Alas Pilipinas beat Australia in straight sets in the battle for third place, that the plan is to keep the lineup intact and add National University stars Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen, and University of the East ace Cassiey Dongallo to the mix.
“The intention is to keep this team intact with additional athletes from the college ranks,” said Suzara.
“It’s a breakthrough, it’s historic, and the obvious next step is to keep this team intact and make it stronger and much more competitive. And next year, in the SEA Games, I believe we’ll have a very strong fighting chance,” he added.
Next up for the Philippines is the FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup, which the country will host from July 4 to 7. Meanwhile, the 33rd SEA Games will be held late next year in Thailand.
Team captain and newly-crowned AVC Challenge Cup Best Setter Jia de Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino lead the roster.
Also part of the squad are PVL stars Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler of Cignal, Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva of Chery Tiggo, Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag of Choco Mucho, Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos of Akari, and Dell Palomata of PLDT.
La Salle’s Julia Coronel and Thea Gagate and NU’s Arah Panique are also on the roster.
The federation also expressed interest in retaining head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, whose three-year contract with the Philippines is about to end. The Brazilian head coach had already been assigned to Chinese Taipei through the FIVB empowerment program.
