Alas Pilipinas Women has officially begun its preparations for the 20th Asian Games, with 17 players from the national pool already in training. The squad, now guided by Japanese head coach Takayuki Minowa, is gearing up for a demanding international calendar that starts with the Southeast Asian V.League in August before shifting focus to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Leading the early sessions are Creamline Cool Smashers standouts Jia De Guzman and Jennifer Nierva, PLDT High Speed Hitters middle blocker Dell Palomata, Zus Coffee Thunderbelles star Thea Gagate, Akari Chargers duo Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno, and Capital1 Solar Spikers trio Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos.
Joining them are Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Dawn Catindig and Eya Laure, along with National University players Arah Panique, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh, and Vange Alinsug. Free agents Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang are also in camp as they continue their national team duties.
Expected Additions and Absences
Still to join the squad are Akari middle blocker Fifi Sharma, De La Salle University stars Angel Canino and Amie Provido, and PLDT outside hitter Alleiah Malaluan, who is recovering from a knee injury. Adamson standout Shaina Nitura remains unavailable following surgery, while Nxled setter Gel Cayuna has opted out of national team commitments.
The team has been holding weekday practices from 12 noon to 3 p.m., alternating between Gameville in Mandaluyong and MPire Center in Quezon City. Sessions will eventually move to the Philippine Sports Commission’s PhilSports Arena.
Alas Women’s Road to the Asian Games
Alas Pilipinas will first test its progress in the SEA V.League, with the opening leg scheduled from August 1 to 3 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, followed by the second leg from August 7 to 9 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team will then continue its buildup for the Asian Games, aiming to build on the momentum of recent breakthrough performances.
Both the men’s and women’s national teams are currently under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee following the FIVB suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. The FIVB has reinforced its national team calendar, prioritising international duties during the designated window before players return to their respective clubs.
