ALAS Pilipinas just got a star-studded boost as reigning UAAP MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Casiey Dongallo are set to rejoin the squad after begging off from the just-concluded 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
READ: Alas players, staff rewarded with P200,000 each for podium finish
The ace trio opted to skip the Asian showcase to rest after the UAAP women's volleyball season and, in the case of Dongallo, recover from an arm injury that ruled her out of action for four to six weeks.
It was imperative for Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) chief Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara to keep Alas’ bronze-clinching core while adding fresh talent to bolster the team’s competitiveness for future competitions.
“The intention is to keep this team intact with additional athletes from the college ranks,” said Suzara. “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.”
With a long-term vision in mind, Suzara believes the extended Alas pool has what it takes to deliver a strong showing in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games late next year in Thailand.
“Next year, in the SEA Games, I believe we’ll have a very strong fighting chance.”
Coaching dilemma remains
Suzara reiterated his intent to keep outgoing head coach and Chinese-Taipei-bound Jorge Souza de Brito at the helm of Alas upon leading the country to a historic podium finish.
With his contract set to expire at the end of June, the AVC Challenge Cup could be his last tour of duty in the Philippines should the PNVF's appeal either be dismissed or doesn't push through.
“Coach Jorge (Souza de Brito) coached the country to a first-ever semifinals stint in any AVC or Asian-level competition. That’s historic for Philippine volleyball,” said Suzara. “And because of that, there’s no reason that we’ll let him go.”
The Brazilian mentor added: “Of course, my desire, my wish is staying with these guys. All the players in the Philippines, there's a lot of potential to work with."
Next up for Alas Women is a friendly match versus the Korea national team on June 7 in Daegu City to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both nations alongside the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Korea.
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