Alas’ AVC team ‘committed’ to fight for PH, says coach

Alas Pilipinas interim coach Shaq Delos Santos with players Alyssa Valdez, Niña Ytang, Ces Molina and Jov Gonzaga during the PSA Forum.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Alas Pilipinas’ preparations for the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup haven’t exactly been seamless.

Still, interim coach Shaq delos Santos has no qualms knowing his players are more than willing to fight for the country.

READ: Alyssa Valdez, other vets and newcomers make up Alas’ AVC pool

“We invited lots of players and some of them had the personal decisions [to beg off], but we’re still so happy and lucky,” he said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum on Tuesday.

“We have these players who are committed to representing our country.”

Delos Santos was referring to the four cogs who were also in attendance during the forum: Alyssa Valdez, Niña Ytang, Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga.

READ: Alas Pilipinas withdrawals, De Brito case rock PNVF

With less than two weeks left before the start of the competitions, the University of Santo Tomas tactician has made it a point that the players included in this version of Alas are all committed to doing their roles. And for him, that’s what matters the most.

“We’re focused on the idea that this team built and the players included will do their roles in not just working together but also in fighting for the Philippines.”

The AVC Women’s Cup will begin on June 6 at Candon City Arena, Ilocos Sur.