Alas Pilipinas team captain assure fans amid last-minute changes

PH Spikers to battle against rival Vietnam in Challenger Cup

Alas Pilipinas' quest begins tonight when they square off against Southeast Asian rival Vietnam in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The home bet is the underdog versus Vietnam that swept and dominated last month's AVC Challenge Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, where they clinched the bronze medal.

The national team received additional reinforcements  like Jema Galanza and Bella Belen conspiring with veteran setter Jia De Guzman, Sisi Rondina and Dawn Macandili.

On the other hand, Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia De Guzman has only one plea to the Filipino nation heading to the FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup.

"You may not know the real reasons or stories behind it, but tough decisions are not made for nothing," stated De Guzman on X, formerly Twitter, after the squad made some last-minute role changes.

It was previously announced that Jema Galanza will be back to her original position as an outside spiker after being previously listed as a libero. Cherry Nunag will take over the position as the team's second libero alongside the multi-awarded veteran floor general Dawn Macandili-Catindig.

Head coach Jorge Souza De Brito reiterated that they are trying to minimize adjustments in the system for their debut match against reigning Challenge Cup champion Vietnam.

The Nationals are expected to rely on De Guzman and AVC Women’s Challenge Cup Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino alongside Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Sisi Rondina, Vanie Gandler, Faith Nisperos, Arah Panique, Julia Coronel, Dell Palomata and newcomer and two-time UAAP champion Bella Belen.

Alas Pilipinas will battle Vietnam tonight at 6:30 p.m.