LOOKS like the twists and turns aren’t quite over for Alas Pilipinas Women heading into the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
SPIN.ph has learned that a last-minute request has been filed with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) seeking to replace one of the players already included in the officially submitted 14-woman roster.
The development comes just days before the team flies out to Thailand and less than a week before the women’s volleyball tournament officially begins.
READ: Belen, Nitura, Canino lead 14-woman Alas team for SEA Games
An unimpeachable source confirmed that the POC is expected to act on the request as soon as possible.
Whether the POC will approve the change, however, remains uncertain.
“I really don’t know, depending with the POC,” the source said, noting the tight window for any adjustment with less than a week remaining before the multi-nation tournament gets underway.
The proposed swap involves removing a wing spiker in favor of adding a third setter to the SEA Games lineup.
As currently constructed, the final 14 features seven wing spikers in Alleiah Malaluan, Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Shaina Nitura, and Vanie Gandler, making up half the roster.
Only two setters, team captain Jia de Guzman and Mars Alba, are part of the official list.
A successful roster change would give the Nationals added depth in the playmaking position but would also reduce a position group that is already expected to shoulder much of the scoring load.
The Philippines is looking to finally end a 20-year medal drought in SEA Games women’s volleyball, opening its campaign against 14-time defending champion Thailand on Dec. 11 before taking on Singapore on Dec. 12 in Group A.
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