FOR its next tour of duty after its bronze medal win in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, Alas Pilipinas will take its newly-expanded 17-woman squad overseas against Asian volleyball powerhouse Korea.
The ’Serve-Spike Unite!’ exhibition match in Daegu City will have the Philippine and Korean national teams facing off as its central showpiece to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It will also coincide with the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Korea.
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Jia de Guzman is already looking forward to her second stint as Alas skipper, as she hopes the friendly will be a formative experience ahead of the nationals’ remaining competitions this year.
“Magko-Korea kami. We have an exhibition game there and that's also a big experience for us na makakatulong sa susunod na AVC na lalaruan namin,” she said.
UAAP stars as reinforcements
The day after the Philippines' maiden AVC podium, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced its plans to keep the original 14-woman roster intact.
At the same time, however, Alas is set to add youth and depth to its history-making roster with collegiate aces Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Casiey Dongallo entering the fray.
READ: Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Casiey Dongallo added to Alas pool
“The intention is to keep this team intact with additional athletes from the college ranks,” PNVF chief Ramon 'Tats' Suzara said.
“It’s a breakthrough, it’s historic, and the obvious next step is to keep this team intact and make it stronger and much more competitive.”
Brazilian mentor Jorge Souza de Brito will still call the shots, but possibly for the last time, as his three-year contract expires at the end of the month.
Alas’ forthcoming Korea trip will be an integral part of the national team’s preparations for the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium — which will serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
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