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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • Alas Pilipinas Women braces for another test against Vietnam in SEA V.Cup Leg 2 

    Alas Pilipinas Women braces for another test against Vietnam in SEA V.Cup Leg 2 

    Alas Pilipinas Women will have another opportunity to rewrite a familiar script when they face Vietnam in Leg 2 of the 2026 SEA V.Cup on Saturday in Chiang Mai, Thailand.


    The matchup offers more than just another chance to climb the standings. It gives the Filipinas an opportunity to end a seven-year drought against one of Southeast Asia’s volleyball powerhouses after falling short in their first meeting of the tournament.

     

    Vietnam defeated the Philippines in four sets, 29-27, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19, during the Leg 1 opener, showcasing its experience behind the leadership of star outside hitter Trần Thị Thanh Thúy.

     

    That result stretched the Philippines’ losing streak against Vietnam to 15 consecutive matches, with the Filipinas still searching for their first victory over their regional rivals since October 4, 2019, when a Jia De Guzman-led squad earned a straight-set win during the second leg of the tournament, then known as the ASEAN Grand Prix, in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

     

    Now, the responsibility of ending that skid falls on a younger generation led by Bella Belen.

     

    Belen was the Philippines’ brightest offensive weapon in the previous meeting after scoring 17 points, and the reigning collegiate star is expected to once again spearhead the attack alongside Leg 1 Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon and veteran setter and team captain De Guzman.

     

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    For newly appointed head coach Taka Minowa, the rematch also presents a chance to show how quickly the team has adjusted to his system.

     

    The Japanese mentor is looking for more offensive consistency after the Filipinas finished fourth in Leg 1 following three consecutive defeats. 

     

    Finding secondary scoring options and sustaining offensive rhythm will be among the team’s biggest priorities against a disciplined Vietnamese side.

     

    Vietnam, meanwhile, enters the contest with momentum after capturing last year’s Leg 2 title and remains one of the favorites to contend for another SEA V.Cup crown.

     

    Before taking on Vietnam, however, the Philippines must first navigate a stern challenge against host nation and reigning Leg 1 champion Thailand on Friday, making the second leg another demanding stretch for the national team.

     

    The 2026 SEA V.Cup women’s tournament follows the same two-leg format featuring the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with Leg 2 being held from August 7 to 9 at the 700th Anniversary Sports Complex in Chiang Mai. 

     

    For the Philippines, the Thailand and Vietnam matches will also serve as key preparations ahead of future international competitions, including the Asian Games cycle, as Minowa continues to establish his system and evaluate combinations against the region’s strongest opponents. 

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls stumble against defending champion China in U17 World Championship debut

    Alas Pilipinas Girls stumble against defending champion China in U17 World Championship debut

    Alas Pilipinas Girls received a tough welcome in their first-ever match at the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship after defending champion China imposed its class in a straight-set victory on Friday in San Felipe, Chile.


    China opened its title defense with a commanding 25-18, 25-15, 25-13 victory in Pool B to improve to a 1-0 record, while the young Filipinas dropped their tournament opener.

     

    Despite facing one of the world’s strongest youth volleyball programs, the Philippines showed flashes of promise behind the offensive efforts of Caera Celis, who finished with a team-high 13 points built on 12 attacks and one ace.

     

    The Filipinas displayed their best stretch of volleyball midway through the second set wherein Celis delivered a kill before Jhaynna Bulandres fired an ace to give Alas an 8-7 lead, briefly putting the defending champions on the back foot. 

     

    China, however, quickly regained control and turned a close contest into a 21-15 advantage through its superior net defense and consistent attack.

     

    Alas refused to go away quietly as the Filipinas answered with five consecutive points, fueled by timely attacks from Celis and back-to-back service aces from Bulandres, but China responded immediately to close out the second frame and move within a set of victory.

     

    The reigning world champions left little doubt in the third set, racing to a 20-9 lead before completing the sweep to begin their campaign on a winning note.

     

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    Aside from Celis, Xyz Rayco contributed seven points, while Bulandres added five. Princess Khaira Manzano and Madele Gale chipped in four markers each for the Philippine side.

     

    China leaned on a balanced attack led by Chen Ruihan, who scored 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks. Ren Sichen added 11 markers, while Zhao Yuhan and Zhang Yijia finished with nine points apiece.

     

    There is still plenty to play for in Pool B despite the opening setback. Under the tournament format, all six teams play a single round-robin, with the top four advancing, giving Alas Pilipinas opportunities to recover over its remaining preliminary matches.

     

    The young Filipinas will have little time to dwell on the loss as they return to action against Mexico on Saturday morning (Philippine time), looking to secure their first victory in the prestigious youth world championship. 

     

    Mexico joins the Philippines in a challenging Pool B that also features China, Peru, Venezuela, and Tunisia.

     

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  • Shaina Nitura eager to play if Alas Pilipinas calls again for Asian Games duty 

    Shaina Nitura eager to play if Alas Pilipinas calls again for Asian Games duty 

    For most athletes, an injury means waiting. For Shaina Nitura, it has only strengthened her desire to wear the Philippine colors once again.

     

    The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player has been watching from the sidelines as Alas Pilipinas competes in the ongoing 6th SEA V.League, with a left foot injury preventing her from joining the national team’s campaign in both legs of the regional tournament.

     

    While the setback forced one of the country’s brightest young stars to temporarily pause her international journey, Nitura has already set her sights on the next opportunity that could come much sooner than expected.

     

    With the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya fast approaching, the Adamson standout remains hopeful that another call-up could be waiting once she is fully healthy.

     

    “Masaya siya and looking forward kung sakaling mapasama ako sa lineup. Great opportunity siya sa akin and andaming pwede kong makuha na experience and learning kasi one of the biggest stages na ‘yun na pwede mong ma-achieve as a player,” Nitura said.

     

    “Kung mabigyan ako ng opportunity to play there, ite-take advantage ko lahat ng opportunity na kaya kong kunin and learnings na pwede kong kunin para madala ko ulit for my team and myself.”

    Representing Alas Pilipinas has already become one of the defining experiences of Nitura’s young career—not only because of the competition, but because it placed her alongside players she once admired from afar.

     

    Long before becoming one of Philippine volleyball’s biggest stars herself, Nitura grew up watching many of the national team’s veterans. Sharing the same court with them became something she never imagined would happen so early in her career.

     

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    “It feels very special kasi ‘yung mga nakasama ko du’n, mga beterano na eh. Since bata ako, na hindi pa ako nag-start mag-volleyball, nakikita ko na sila maglaro. So who would have thought na, sa college career ko, makakasama ko silang mag-training, makakasama sa loob ng court to compete against other countries or other players,” she said.

     

    “Ano siya sa akin, overwhelming and very special. Lagi ko siyang tine-treasure kasi I never expected na gano’n din sila ka-humble.”

     

    Beyond sharing the jersey with some of the country’s most accomplished players, Nitura said the biggest reward has been learning directly from teammates who have already experienced the highs and lows of international volleyball.

     

    Rather than treating her as one of the younger members of the squad, the veterans welcomed her with guidance and constant encouragement, lessons she continues to carry even while recovering from injury.

     

    “Ang dami ko kasi talagang natutunan sa kanila. Through ups and downs, talagang gano’n pa rin sila, at ginagabayan nila ako. Alam na nila ‘yung sasabihin sa akin kasi na-experience nila. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung nagpapa-special para sa akin,” she said.

     

    For now, Nitura’s priority remains returning to full fitness, but her ambitions have not changed.

    If the opportunity comes to represent the Philippines in Japan, the UAAP MVP is ready to trade rehabilitation for competition once again and continue building her journey with Alas Pilipinas on one of the biggest stages in Asian sports.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas eyes fresh start against Thailand after winless SEA V Cup Leg 1 campaign 

    Alas Pilipinas eyes fresh start against Thailand after winless SEA V Cup Leg 1 campaign 

    Alas Pilipinas gets an immediate opportunity to wipe the slate clean when it opens the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup against defending champion Thailand on Thursday, August 7, at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time) in Chiang Mai.

     

    After leaving Hanoi without a single victory, the Filipinas begin the new leg hoping a fresh venue also brings a fresh start as they try to keep their medal aspirations alive.

     

    The Philippines went 0-3 in the opening leg, but not without showing flashes of promise against the region’s top teams. Its best chance at a breakthrough came against Thailand, where Alas Pilipinas pushed the defending champion to five sets before falling, 17-25, 25-19, 15-25, 25-18, 10-15, in one of the tournament’s most competitive matches.

     

    That heartbreaking defeat was followed by straight losses to host Vietnam and Indonesia, resulting in the country’s first SEA V Cup campaign without a podium finish since 2023.

     

    Despite the disappointing results, the close battle against Thailand gives Alas Pilipinas confidence heading into another meeting with Southeast Asia’s volleyball powerhouse.

     

    Veteran setter Jia De Guzman is expected to continue orchestrating the offense alongside leading scorers Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, and Niña Ytang, who all delivered consistent performances throughout the first leg.

     

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    The Filipinas will also rely on the continued contributions of Dell Palomata, Erika Santos, Vanie Gandler, Mars Alba, and libero Justine Jazareno as they seek to finally break into the win column.

     

    Thailand, meanwhile, enters the second leg with momentum after sweeping the first leg title with a perfect 3-0 record. The reigning SEA V Cup champion once again showcased its depth and experience, defeating all three opponents while extending its dominance in the regional tournament.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, Thursday’s opener represents more than another match.

     

    A victory over Thailand would not only end its winless run in the tournament but could also provide the confidence needed to turn around its campaign with two more matches still remaining against Vietnam and Indonesia.

     

    With the lessons of Hanoi still fresh, the Filipinas now have another chance to prove they can compete with the region’s best—and this time, finish the job.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls open historic FIVB U17 World Championship bid against China 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls open historic FIVB U17 World Championship bid against China 

    After securing a historic berth through the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s U16 Championship, the Philippine squad departed from Sydney for Santiago, Chile, where it will make its long-awaited debut in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship from August 6 to 16.


    Their first assignment, however, leaves little room for easing into the tournament. The Alas Girls will open their Pool B campaign against defending champion China on Thursday, August 6, at 8:00 a.m. (Philippine time), before taking on Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, and Venezuela in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.

     

    For University of Santo Tomas standout Megan Yesha Hernandez, the opportunity to compete against the world’s best makes every sacrifice worthwhile.

     

    “Kahit sobra na yung pagod, mayroong kakalabasan na maganda. Kahit pagod na pagod, sulit pa rin yun kasi malaki naman po yung makukuha naming blessings,” Hernandez said.

     

    Despite facing volleyball nations with far more international experience, the young Filipinas are approaching the tournament with confidence, believing that preparation and teamwork can bridge the gap.

     

    “Pare-parehas lang po kami nagte-training at magkaka-age lang kami, so dapat huwag kami matakot at ipakita lang namin kung ano pong meron sa team,” she said.

     

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    Assistant coach Oliver Balse echoed that belief, saying the team’s technical ability gives it a chance to compete, even against opponents with a physical advantage.

     

    “Sa age-group, kahit ibang lahi, pare-pareho pa. Merong taller players of course, but skills makakatapat tayo sa kanila,” Balse said.

     

    The Philippines enters the tournament with growing confidence after a remarkable campaign in the AVC Women’s U16 Championship in Amman last November, where victories over Iran, Hong Kong, and Japan propelled the country to No. 25 in the FIVB world rankings.

     

    Setter Resty Jane Olaguir of Ateneo hopes the team can continue that upward trajectory on the sport’s biggest youth stage.

     

    “Gagawin namin ang best namin para maitaas po yung place natin sa FIVB world rankings,” Olaguir said.

     

    The 24-team tournament is divided into four pools. Host Chile headlines Pool A, while Pool C features Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, Japan, and Poland. Pool D consists of Italy, South Korea, Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei.

     

    Regardless of the results, the tournament represents a landmark moment for Philippine volleyball. As the country will compete in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship for the first time, giving a new generation of Filipina athletes the opportunity to measure themselves against the world’s elite.

     

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  • Alyssa Solomon captures third Best Opposite Spiker award at SEA V.Cup 

    Alyssa Solomon captures third Best Opposite Spiker award at SEA V.Cup 

    The scoreboard may not have favored Alas Pilipinas Women in Hanoi, but Alyssa Solomon once again proved she remains one of Southeast Asia’s premier attackers.


    Despite the Philippines finishing winless in Leg 1 of the 2026 SEA V.Cup, Solomon emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest individual winners after claiming the Best Opposite Spiker award on Sunday at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Vietnam.

     

    The recognition marked the third time Solomon has earned the honor, having previously won the same award during Leg 2 of the 2023 SEA V.Cup and Leg 2 of the 2024 edition.

     

    With her latest award, the former National University standout etched her name into tournament history.

     

    Solomon became the most decorated opposite hitter in the SEA V.Cup’s seven-year history, making her the only player at her position to win the Best Opposite Spiker citation three times. 

     

    She also joined Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bích Tuyen as the only players to capture the award on three occasions, regardless of position.

     

    The milestone further separated Solomon from every other Filipina to have competed in the regional tournament. Among the eight Philippine players who have received individual awards in SEA V.Cup history, the 6-foot-1 opposite hitter is the first to win the same individual citation three times.

     

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    Her latest honor came even after the Philippines closed its Hanoi campaign with a 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 loss to Indonesia, a result that relegated Alas Pilipinas to fourth place and ended the country’s streak of podium finishes dating back to 2023.

     

    Solomon still delivered 13 points in the defeat, capping another steady tournament for the Filipina star.

     

    Consistency was the hallmark of her campaign. She opened the tournament with 12 points against host Vietnam before producing 13 points against Thailand and another 13-point outing versus Indonesia, remaining one of the Philippines’ most reliable offensive weapons from start to finish.

     

    While Solomon provided the bright spot for the Filipinos, Thailand dominated the tournament’s individual honors after completing an unbeaten run in Leg 1.

     

    Thailand’s Sasipaporn Janthawisut was named the Most Valuable Player and one of the Best Outside Hitters, alongside Vietnam’s Vi Thi Nhu Quynh. 

     

    Indonesia’s Rara Maradanti and Thailand’s Kaewkalaya Kamulthala earned the Best Middle Blocker awards, while Thailand’s Natthanicha Jaisaen was recognized as Best Setter and Vietnam’s Nguyen Khan Dang took home Best Libero honors.

     

    Although Leg 1 ended without a victory, Alas Pilipinas will have little time to dwell on the disappointment.

     

    The national team now shifts its focus to Leg 2 of the SEA V.Cup, which will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7 to 9. 

     

    The Filipinas will immediately face tournament champion Thailand in their opening assignment, hoping to turn individual success into improved team results as they seek a stronger finish to the regional competition.

     

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  • Indonesia ends Alas Pilipinas’ four-tournament bronze run in SEA V Cup Leg 1 

    Indonesia ends Alas Pilipinas’ four-tournament bronze run in SEA V Cup Leg 1 

    A streak that had defined Alas Pilipinas Women’s consistency in the SEA V Cup finally came to an end.

     

    For four straight tournaments, the Filipinas had walked away with the bronze medal. On Sunday in Hanoi, Indonesia made sure that the run stopped there.

     

    Indonesia completed its redemption story by defeating Alas Pilipinas, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, in the bronze medal match of the first leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup at Dong Anh Gymnasium, finally breaking through after four consecutive losses to the Philippines in the regional tournament.

     

    The result not only handed Indonesia its first SEA V Cup podium finish since 2023, but also knocked the Filipinas off the medal stand for the first time in two years.

     

    Alas looked poised to extend its podium streak after claiming the opening set behind a dominant performance from its middle blockers.

     

    Niña Ytang ignited a crucial momentum swing midway through the first frame, scoring three points during a 4-0 run that erased a one-point deficit and turned it into a 22-19 advantage. Dell Palomata then closed the set in style, delivering three of the Philippines’ last five points to secure the early lead.

     

    But the momentum gradually shifted.

     

    Indonesia found its rhythm in the second set, tightening its floor defense while becoming more efficient on offense to level the match.

     

    The third set turned into a tug-of-war before the Indonesians landed the decisive blows. Arsela Nuari Purnama, Ersandrina Devega, and Rara Maradanti engineered a pivotal late-game surge, stretching a narrow 18-17 edge into a commanding 22-17 cushion that ultimately gave Indonesia a 2-1 lead.

     

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    Still, the Filipinas refused to fold.

     

    The fourth set remained within reach early on, with both teams locked at 13-all. But just when Alas seemed ready to force a deciding fifth frame, Indonesia delivered the knockout punch.

    The Indonesians overwhelmed the Filipinas with a stunning 12-3 closing run that left little room for a comeback.

     

    Bella Belen briefly kept the Philippines alive with an off-the-block attack that cut the deficit to 20-15, but it turned out to be the team’s final point. Indonesia answered with five straight points to finish the match, with Belen’s attack sailing long to bring up match point before another swing was denied at the net to officially end the contest.

     

    Ytang paced Alas Pilipinas with 14 points, while Alyssa Solomon, who was named Best Opposite Spiker of the tournament, added 13 markers. Belen also finished in double figures with 12 points.

    Indonesia, meanwhile, leaned on a balanced attack led by Purnama’s 18 points, while Medi Yoku and Chelsa Nurtomo chipped in 16 points apiece.

     

    Although the opening leg ended in disappointment, Alas Pilipinas will have little time to dwell on the setback.

     

    The Filipinas now shift their focus to the second leg of the SEA V Cup, which begins on August 7 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they will immediately face host nation Thailand in their opening assignment as they look to return to the podium.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women eyes statement win against Vietnam to open 2026 SEA V Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women eyes statement win against Vietnam to open 2026 SEA V Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women opens another chapter in its pursuit of Southeast Asian volleyball supremacy on Friday, but standing in its way is a familiar rival that has often dictated the region’s pecking order.

     

    The Filipinas begin their 2026 SEA Women’s V Cup campaign against host Vietnam at the Đông Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, hoping to turn a difficult opening assignment into an early statement victory.

     

    First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the Philippines determined to improve on the bronze-medal finishes it settled for in both legs of last year’s tournament.

     

    The matchup also serves as an immediate measuring stick for the national team after Vietnam spoiled the Filipinas’ momentum the last time they met in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

     

    Despite entering that semifinal riding a historic run that included victories over Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Iran, and Chinese Taipei, Alas Pilipinas bowed to the eventual champions in four sets, 25-23, 23-25, 25-17, 25-16. Vietnam went on to complete an unbeaten campaign and capture the continental crown, while the Philippines eventually settled for silver — still its best-ever finish in the tournament.

     

    Now, the Filipinas have another opportunity to test themselves against one of Asia’s strongest programs, this time on Vietnamese soil.

     

    Leading the charge is team captain Jia De Guzman, who once again takes command of the offense alongside fellow setter Mars Alba.

     

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    The Philippines will rely heavily on a talented group of wing attackers bannered by Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and newcomer Erika Santos, who earned her first call-up to the senior national team after an impressive PVL campaign.

     

    Middle blockers Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, and Niña Ytang provide the team’s presence at the net, while Alyssa Solomon and National University standout Vange Alinsug add more scoring options.

     

    At the backline, Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig are expected to anchor the team’s floor defense against Vietnam’s explosive offense.

     

    The tournament also marks another important step in Alas Pilipinas’ preparations for bigger international competitions later this year, particularly the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

     

    Thailand and Indonesia, the other contenders in the four-team field, open the day’s action at 4 p.m., with the Filipinas set to face both teams over the weekend as they chase a breakthrough SEA V Cup championship.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls eye breakthrough at FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls eye breakthrough at FIVB U17 World Championship 

    The Alas Pilipinas Girls will compete in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship from August 6 to 16 in Santiago, Chile, becoming the first Philippine volleyball team to qualify outright for an FIVB World Championship without hosting the event. 


    The Alas Pilipinas men competed in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship as hosts, while the women’s team is set to host in 2029.

     

    The Philippines begins its Pool B campaign against defending champion China on August 6 before taking on Mexico on August 7, Tunisia on August 8, Peru on August 10, and Venezuela on August 11.

     

    Much of the roster that secured the country’s historic qualification by finishing fifth in last year’s AVC U16 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan remains intact. 

     

    U16 holdovers Nadeth Herbon, Resty Jane Olaguir, Megan Hernandez, Jhenica Sadia, Madele Gale, and Frances Ramos return alongside newcomers Caera Celis, Irish Mahinay, Jhaynna Bulandres, Sharina Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Taj Arkhea Teves, and Andrea Mauricio.

     

    Leading the group is National University Nazareth School standout Xyz Rayco, who emerged as the team’s leading scorer during its memorable campaign in Jordan. 

     

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    Heading into her first World Championship, the young hitter believes the team’s familiarity with one another will be one of its biggest strengths.

     

    “It’s a big advantage that we’ll be representing the country together again. Because we already know each other’s game, that familiarity will really help us perform better as a team,” she said.

     

    Rayco added that while the squad had only a limited preparation period, the players have continued to improve with every training session despite coming from different schools.

     

    She also shared that the squad has made steady progress in training, with each player embracing their role. Although the team is still building chemistry after coming from different schools, she believes their teamwork has improved noticeably on and off the court. 

     

    “I believe we’re all ready to represent the Philippines at the World Championship,” the 15-year-old said.

     

    Limited preparation has not changed the team’s mindset. Instead, Rayco and her squad view the tournament as a chance to show that their qualification was no fluke and that the Philippines can compete against the world’s best at the youth level. 

     

    Still, the team hopes to build on the confidence gained from its fifth-place finish in the AVC U16 Women’s Volleyball Championship and show that it belongs on the global stage.

     

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  • Jennifer Nierva left out as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Taka Minowa’s first SEA V Cup roster 

    Jennifer Nierva left out as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Taka Minowa’s first SEA V Cup roster 

    One of the biggest surprises in Alas Pilipinas Women’s final roster for the opening leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup was the omission of veteran libero Jennifer Nierva.

     

    The multi-time UAAP Best Libero was named one of two reserve players after new head coach Taka Minowa finalized his 14-player lineup for the tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam, leaving Dawn Catindig and Justine Jazareno to take over libero duties in the team’s opening campaign under the Japanese mentor.

     

    Nierva traveled with the national team as part of the 16-player pool, but tournament regulations only allow 14 active players, forcing the coaching staff to make two difficult decisions before the competition begins.

     

    Also placed on the reserve list was National University outside hitter Celine Marsh, trimming the squad down to the official roster that will represent the Philippines in Leg 1.

     

    With Nierva unavailable for active duty, Catindig and Jazareno will anchor the team’s floor defense as Alas Pilipinas faces a demanding schedule against Southeast Asia’s top volleyball nations.

     

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    Leading Minowa’s first official roster are veteran setters Jia De Guzman of Creamline and Mars Alba of Akari, who will orchestrate the offense throughout the tournament.

     

    The outside hitter rotation remains one of the deepest in the competition, featuring Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and Vange Alinsug.

     

    Capital1 standout Erika Santos is set to make her long-awaited national team debut after earning one of the opposite hitter spots alongside Alyssa Solomon.

     

    The middle blocker unit is composed of Niña Ytang, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, and Fifi Sharma, giving the Philippines a versatile frontline capable of matching up against the region’s strongest attacks.

     

    Despite missing the final active lineup, Nierva remains part of the delegation as a reserve and could still be activated in the succeeding leg should roster changes be made.

     

    Alas Pilipinas opens the Taka Minowa era against host Vietnam on Friday before facing defending SEA V Cup champion Thailand on Saturday and Indonesia on Sunday in the opening leg of the regional tournament.

     

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