Adamson University’s breakout star and UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year, Shaina Nitura, leads the list of fresh additions to the 16-woman Alas Pilipinas roster for the upcoming 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup.
Nitura is preparing to make her senior team debut alongside National University setter Lams Lamina, Far Eastern University middle blocker Cla Loresco, and Capital1 opposite spiker Leila Cruz.
(C) PVL Images
Head coach Jorge Souza de Brito retained the core group that secured three bronze medals during the 2024 national team window, ensuring continuity as the squad eyes another strong continental campaign.
Team captains Jia De Guzman and Dawn Catindig are back to lead the Nationals, bringing veteran poise and leadership to the squad.
Returning to reinforce the outside hitter rotation is Eya Laure, who last suited up for the national team in 2024. She joins a potent group that includes Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, and the promising Nitura.
At the net, the towering tandem of Thea Gagate and Fifi Sharma will anchor the team’s middle blocking duties, supported by Dell Palomata and Loresco.
The setter rotation will be handled by veteran Jia De Guzman, with Julia Coronel and Lams Lamina providing depth and youthful energy in the playmaking position. Alyssa Solomon and Leila Cruz will share responsibilities at the opposite hitter spot, while Jennifer Nierva returns to support Dawn Catindig in the libero position.
Not included in the current lineup are Maddie Madayag, MJ Phillips, Jeanette Panaga, Amie Provido, Mars Alba, Tia Andaya, Justine Jazareno, and Alleiah Malaluan.
The AVC Women’s Nations Cup kicks off on June 7 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Alas Pilipinas is grouped in Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Mongolia, and New Zealand.
