ALAS Pilipinas Women will head into the Taka Minowa era with a familiar core and a trio of fresh facesfor Leg 1 of the 6th SEA V.Cup from July 31 to August 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Already in the Vietnamese capital days before the tournament, the Nationals are set for Minowa's first stint as national team head coach with 13 holdovers from previous Alas Women squads making the trip.
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The only prospective first-timers are former PVL MVP Erika Santos and National University wing spikers Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh, all expected to add depth on the pins.
Veteran setter Jia de Guzman returns as team captain and will orchestrate the offense alongside fellow playmaker Mars Alba.
Joining the three debutants in the wing spiker rotation are Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler and Alyssa Solomon, giving Minowa a wealth of attacking options.
The middle blocker corps is composed of Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Dell Palomata and Niña Ytang, while Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno and Jen Nierva round out the libero unit.
Only 14 players can be activated in each leg, with two members of the 16-player roster to be designated as reserves.
Missing from the lineup are several notable names, including last year's Leg 1 Best Outside Hitter Angel Canino, reigning UAAP Best Middle Blocker Amie Provido, reigning UAAP Best Libero Shaira Jardio and this year's No. 1 PVL Draft pick Lams Lamina.
The Philippines will face an immediate baptism of fire in Hanoi, opening against host Vietnam, which ruled last year's Leg 2, before taking on reigning Leg 1 winner Thailand and fellow Southeast Asian powerhouse Indonesia.
Alas Women will then move to Chiang Mai, Thailand for Leg 2 from August 7 to 9 as Minowa continues his first campaign at the national team helm.
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