Angel Canino skips SEA V.League, focuses on DLSU duties

As the Alas Pilipinas Women made their way to Japan for their training camp, the nationals will be missing the services of De La Salle University's Angel Canino due to duties and responsibilities with the Lady Spikers. 

Canino, who played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ historic bronze finish at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup earlier this year, will miss the two-week training camp, which serves as the team’s preparation for the Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) next month.

National head coach Jorge de Brito confirmed the development as questions were raised about Canino’s absence from the Alas squad photo upon their arrival in Kansai, Japan. 

“She has her duties with DLSU and we support her commitment there. Sure, we would love it if she could join the national team camp, but it is all good,” said de Brito. 

The national team will have mainstays Jia De Guzman, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jema Galanza, Jen Nierva, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Dell Palomata, Cherry Nunag, Thea Gagate, and Julia Coronel.

Fresh off winning the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational tournament, National University’s Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique are also in the squad.

Alas Pilipinas also welcomed two Filipino-Americans, setter Tia Andaya and libero Hannah Stires, to the training pool from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) tryouts in the United States.

Vietnam will host the first week of the women’s SEA V.League 2024 from August 2 to 4, with Thailand providing the venue for the second week from August 9 to 11.