Alas Pilipinas to give Vietnam 'a tough fight' in FIVB Challenger Cup, says PNVF

The Philippine national women's volleyball team Alas Pilipinas will give Vietnam a tough fight when they face each other in the upcoming FIVB Challenger Cup next week.

The country will host eight teams in the tournament which also serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

"It’s tough on Day 1 for Alas Pilipinas, but we’re very sure they’ll give the Vietnamese a tough fight,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said in a release.

The Philippines, coming off a historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup also held in the country last month, will face Vietnam in their opening match on July 5 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Alas Pilipinas will still be led by AVC individual awardees Jia De Guzman and Angel Canino, and will compete with the addition of Jema Galanza and collegiate champions Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.

Prior to the Philippines' 6:30 p.m. match, Czech Republic and Argentina will battle at 3 p.m.

The tournament will open on July 4 with Puerto Rico going against Kenya and Belgium facing Sweden.

The winners of the four matches will then advance to the knockout semifinals, while the winner of the final round will qualify to the VNL next year.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News