NU standouts Belen, Solomon headline Philippines in Women's SEA VLeague

Young stars Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon will lead the core of National University when they represent the Philippines in the 2023 Southeast Asia VLeague (SEA VLeague) women's tournament set this weekend in Vietnam.

Belen and Solomon, the UAAP Season 84 Rookie MVP and Best Opposite Hitter respectively, will be joined by other Lady Bulldogs Camille Lamina, Shaira Jardio, Minierva Maaya, Evangeline Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Myrtle Escanlar.

High school sensations and incoming rookies Arah Panique and Abegail Pono, as well as Ateneo’s Roma Doromal and AC Miner, and University of the Philippines’ Niña Ytang and Kamille Cal round out the national squad.

“This is a young team and we are investing for the future of the federation’s national team program,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Monday.

“We’re confident in the capability of these young stars seen as the future of Philippine volleyball. We have no doubts that they can carry our flag against the best in the region.”

Brazilian tactician Jorge Souza de Brito remains as the head coach of the team with Fe Moran as team manager, Karl Dimaculangan and Norman Miguel as assistant coaches, and Grace Gomez as therapist and trainer.

The Philippines had two podium finishes in SEA VLeague, bagging bronze medals during the first and second legs of the 2019 edition.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News