Philippine team flies to Thailand for Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship

The Philippine national women's volleyball team left for Thailand on Tuesday ahead of the 22nd Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship set to kick off on Wednesday in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The squad will be bannered by the core of National University led by Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon, who were also the anchors of the national team during the SEA V. League.

Also on the team are other Lady Bulldogs Natashza Bombita, Camille Lamina, Shaira Jardio, Minierva Maaya, Evangeline Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, Pearl Denura, and Myrtle Escanlar along with incoming rookies Arah Panique and Abegail Pono. Lorene Toring of Adamson University and Nina Ytang of University of the Philippines complete the pack.

The Philippines is grouped with China, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong in Pool D. Top two teams from the four pools will be distributed into another two pools with the top two squads earning a semifinals berth.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon "Tats" Suzara said they are now preparing the youth-laden squad as the country bids to host the 2025 FIVB Women's World Championships.

“I am looking forward to form a dream team for 2025 in the world championships,” Suzara said in a statement.

The Philippines takes on Kazakhstan at 3 p.m. on Wednesday before facing China at 3 p.m. on Thursday and Hong Kong at 12 p.m. on Friday.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News