Alas Pilipinas begins quest for glory vs Mongolians in Vietnamese joust
At A Glance
- The Alas Pilipinas women's team begins its quest for glory when it battles Mongolia in the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam Saturday, June 7.
The Alas Pilipinas women’s team begins its quest for glory when it battles Mongolia in the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam Saturday, June 7.
The Nationals, composed of the country's top professional and collegiate hitters, eye a strong start against the Mongolians in their 4 p.m. showdown.
Veteran playmakerJia De Guzman and seasoned libero Dawn Catindig lead the talent-laden pack with Jorge Souza de Brito at the helm in the competition where the Philippines previously snagged a historic bronze medal.
Providing the support from Premier Volleyball League (PVL) players are hitters Vanie Gandler, Dell Palomata, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, and defensive specialist Jen Nierva.
Also included are Eya Laure and veteran setter Julia Coronel.
Three-time UAAP Bella Belen injects energy to the team with former National University teammates Alyssa Solomon and Lams Lamina.
Angel Canino is ready for the challenge as well as she leads rising stars in Leila Cruz, Far Eastern University's Cla Loresco and Adamson super rookie Shai Nitura, who made a big noise in her first year in the UAAP.
It will be a busy week for Alas as it faces Pool B foes in Indonesia (Sunday), Iran (Monday), New Zealand (Wednesday), and last year’s bridesmaid Kazakhstan (Thursday).
On the other hand, reigning champion and host Vietnam is in Pool A alongside Australia, India, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.
The Filipina belles aim for a better outcome this time after a third-place finish last edition where the country hosted the tiff at the fabled Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The tournament also offers points that could bolster the Philippines’ qualification bid to the FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League and 2026 Asian Championship.