‘Dream come true’: Alas first-timers gear up for Volleyball Nations Cup 

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The new-look Alas Pilipinas hopes to get the right mix of veteran smarts and youthful energy when the national team vies for a repeat podium finish in the AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup

MANILA, Philippines – National team first-timers look to deliver when the 16-man Alas Pilipinas Women pool sees action in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup on June 7-14 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura of Adamson, NU Lady Bulldogs veteran setter Lams Lamina, and FEU Lady Tamaraws middle blocker Cla Loresco hope to make an impact when they debut in the team captained by Jia de Guzman and Dawn Catindig.

“I’m super happy and proud of myself because this will be my first time to be included among those representing the Philippines, it’s truly a dream come true,” Loresco said in Filipino.

“I have learned a lot from my coaches and Ates (big sisters), they have been so nice to me.”

Collegiate stars led by three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen and NU Lady Bulldogs teammate Alyssa Solomon, as well as La Salle Lady Spikers stalwart Angel Canino banner the squad.

Also returning are PVL free agent Eya Laure, Cignal HD Spiker Vanie Gandler, and Capital1 Solar Spiker Leila Cruz.

Listed as backup playmaker for De Guzman is Galeries Tower’s Julia Coronel, while Chery Tiggo libero Jen Nierva will also be on the bench to provide floor defense.

Manning the middle are PVL top rookie Thea Gagate of the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, Akari Charger Fifi Sharma, and PLDT High Speed Hitter Dell Palomata.

Alas Women has been training for several weeks, although still incomplete, as some players just recently wrapped up their UAAP campaigns. 

The Nations Cup will be the first of several competitions lined up for the squad this year, including the SEA V.League in August and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

Previously known as the AVC Challenge Cup, the Nations Cup saw Alas Pilipinas cop a historic bronze in the 2024 edition, which was held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

In that meet, De Guzman was named Best Setter, while Canino won the Best Opposite Hitter award.

This year, Alas got bunched in Pool B with Mongolia, Indonesia, Iran, New Zealand, and Kazakhstan.

The tournament allows national team to rack up points as winners also earn direct qualification to the 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship — a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2027 FIVB World Championship.. – Rappler.com