PNVF selects 33 prospects invited for Alas Pilipinas tryouts

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation on Thursday revealed the names of 33 prospects the volleyball body hopes to be part of Alas Pilipinas as the women's team competes in three major tournaments this year.

The list includes a mix of professional and collegiate players here and overseas, and those who have also competed for the national team.

Mars Alba (Choco Mucho), Tia Andaya (USA), Julia Coronel (Galeries), Jia de Guzman (Japan), and Lams Lamina (NU) are among the names included in PNVF's wishlist for setters, while Dawn Catindig (Cignal), Justine Jazareno (Akari), Jen Nierva (Chery Tiggo), and Hannah Stires (USA) are the liberos invited.

For opposites, Tots Carlos (Creamline), Shevana Laput (DLSU), Faith Nisperos (Akari), Alyssa Solomon (NU), and Eli Soyud (Akari) were chosen.

Selected outside hitters include Vange Alinsug (NU), Bella Belen (NU), Angel Canino (DLSU), Vanie Gandler (Cignal), Eya Laure (Alas Pilipinas), Alleiah Malaluan (DLSU), Arah Panique (NU), Chai Troncoso (ZUS Coffee), Brooke Van Sickle (Petro Gazz), Shaina Nitura (Adamson), and Savi Davison (PLDT).

Thea Gagate (ZUS Coffee), Clarisse Loresco (FEU), Maddie Madayag (Japan), Dell Palomata (PLDT), Pangs Panaga (Creamline), MJ Phillips (Petro Gazz), Amie Provido (DLSU), and Fifi Sharma (Akari) compose the middle blockers' list.

“These are quality young players from the professional league PVL, fron abroad and schools,” said Asian Volleyball Confederation and PNVF president Tats Suzara. "This is a wish list of players for the national team that I fervently want to see competing for out flag and country,” Suzara added.

Alas Pilipinas will compete in the 6th AVC Challenge Cup for Women set on June 8 to 15 and the 5th Southeast Asian V. League Week 1 to be held on July 25 to 27 and August 1 to 3. The Philippines will also compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from December 7 to 19.

"We are very confident to tap the best players in every position,” Alas Women head coach Jorge Souza De Brito said. “The Philippines has a lot of great talents from the collegiate ranks up to the pro ranks and we are improving ever since I arrived. We just need to work hard to let the players grow.”

—JKC, GMA Integrated News