Eight teams led by last year’s winner Vietnam open their respective title bids on Wednesday, May 21, when the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women fires off at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Singapore and Kazakhstan raise the curtain when they clash in the 10 a.m. opener, followed by India and Iran at 1 p.m.

Vietnam, meanwhile, opens its title defense against Hong Kong at 4 p.m. before Australia collides with Chinese Taipei at 7 p.m.

A total of 10 teams divided into two brackets are competing in the tournament which stakes a berth to the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup in July. The Top 2 squads in each pool will advance to the semifinals while the rest will compete for placing.

The Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team starts its campaign on Thursday, May 23, when it takes on Australia, followed by India on Friday, May 24; Iran on Saturday, May 25; and Chinese Taipei on Sunday, May 26.

The Nationals hope to make heads turn and eclipse their seventh place finish last year where the country fielded a mix of Premier Volleyball League players from the Akari Chargers and the Petro Gazz Angels along with collegiate players from the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

This year’s PH squad is also composed of pro and collegiate athletes, but from various squads.

Skippered by decorated setter Jia De Guzman, the team is composed of Dawn Catindig, Vanie Gandler, Dell Palomata, Sisi Rondina, Cherry Nunag, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Eya Laure, Jen Nierva and collegiate standouts Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel and Ara Panique.

Meanwhile, out to strut their wares aside from Vietnam are Indonesia and Chinese Taipei, who finished silver and bronze, respectively, last year.