Eya Laure, Jen Nierva questionable for Alas Pilipinas' FIVB Challenger Cup bid

Alas Pilipinas may plunge into the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup with a depleted roster as the availability of the tandem of Eya Laure and Jen Nierva remains in question with only days left before the competition.

Alas head coach Jorge De Brito revealed on Sunday that Laure and Nierva, who both played crucial roles in their bronze medal run in the AVC Challenge Cup in late May, have yet to attend the training, leaving them with just a 15-person roster.

"We don't have Eya and Jen until now," De Brito told GMA News Online in a message.

"So we need to find solutions using the players we got."

With Nierva unlikely to see action, De Brito and Alas only have one natural libero in the lineup with veteran defensive specialist Dawn Macandili-Catindig while Laure's absence will leave Sisi Rondina, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen as the outside hitters, given that Angel Canino, Arah Panique, and Faith Nisperos will suit up as the opposite hitters.

De Brito, who previously said that Tots Carlos is already out for the national team, has also yet to give an update on Alyssa Solomon, who was one of the late additions to the squad alongside Jema Galanza and Belen.

To make up for the shortage in liberos, Creamline star Galanza has been listed as a libero according to the initial roster listed in FIVB Challenger Cup's official website.

But the Brazilian tactician said nothing is cast in stone yet regarding this decision, sharing that the coaching staff is still studying the final makeup of the team.

"[We are] not yet done with this decision," De Brito said.

The latest development came just five days before the Filipinas take on Asian powerhouse Vietnam in the Challenger Cup quarterfinals on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News