Alas Pilipinas squads to face Japanese clubs in friendlies

The country’s men's and women's volleyball teams are set to take on a pair of Japanese squads in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals set on September 7 and 8 at the PhilSports Arena. 

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced the event on Wednesday as the volleyball body continues its preparation for the hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship. 

Alas Pilipinas Women will slug it out against the Saga Hisamitsu Springs while the Alas Men will tackle a stacked Panasonic Osaka Bluteon.

This opportunity will see Alas Men testing their mettle against a high caliber athletes as Panasonic Osaka features a number of Japan's men's national team members such as prized opposite hitter Yuji Nishida, middle blocker Akihiro Yamauchi, libero Tomohiro Yamamoto, and outside hitter Tatsunori Otsuka, all of whom were part of the 2024 Paris Olympics roster. 

Saga Hisamitsu, meanwhile, is led by Miyu Nagaoka, a decorated opposite spiker who previously suited up for the Japan national team, including the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Both the Alas Women and Men are coming off two bronze medals each at the 2024 SEA V. League. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News