A new coach may be calling the shots, but Alas Pilipinas Women is banking on a familiar foundation as it opens a new chapter under Taka Minowa in the 2026 SEA V.League.
Set to make his official debut as Philippine women’s national team head coach, Minowa will lead a squad built around continuity, keeping the core that has represented the country in recent international tournaments while injecting three fresh faces into the mix for Leg 1 of the regional competition from July 31 to August 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Already settled in the Vietnamese capital ahead of the tournament, the Filipinas will lean on chemistry as 13 players from previous Alas Pilipinas squads return to represent the country.
The biggest additions come on the wings, where former PVL Most Valuable Player Erika Santos joins National University standouts Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh as prospective national team debutants. The trio gives Minowa additional firepower alongside established scorers Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alyssa Solomon.
Veteran setter Jia de Guzman continues to captain the squad and will direct the offense with fellow playmaker Mars Alba orchestrating the attack.
At the middle, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Dell Palomata, and Niña Ytang provide the team’s imposing net presence, while Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, and Jen Nierva anchor the defensive unit as liberos.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT
ALAS WOMEN TO THE SEA V.CUP
Here are the 16 players in Alas Pilipinas Women’s squad for the 6th SEA V.Cup from July 31 to August 2 in Hanoi and August 7 to 9 in Chiang Mai.
Two of these names will be listed as reserves for each leg.#AlasPilipinas #SEAVCup @spinph pic.twitter.com/2B92AtIxeF
— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) July 29, 2026
Although 16 players traveled with the team, only 14 can be activated for each tournament leg, with two athletes serving as reserves.
Several notable names were left out of the roster, including reigning Leg 1 Best Outside Hitter Angel Canino, reigning UAAP Best Middle Blocker Amie Provido, reigning UAAP Best Libero Shaira Jardio, and 2026 PVL Rookie Draft top overall pick Lams Lamina.
Minowa’s first assignment will hardly be an easy introduction.
The Philippines opens its campaign against host Vietnam, last year’s SEA V.League Leg 2 champion, before taking on defending Leg 1 winner Thailand and regional contender Indonesia in what promises to be an early measuring stick for the Japanese tactician’s system.
Following the Hanoi leg, Alas Pilipinas Women will immediately shift its focus to Leg 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7 to 9, where Minowa hopes to further establish his identity while continuing to build toward bigger international competitions in the coming years.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply