MEMBERS of the Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball team have been through a short period of preparation.
But the Filipinas are ready to step up to a test of will and determination when the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup gets going on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Team skipper Jia Morado de Guzman said this as the national squad, which has gone deep into preparation together for only a week, prepares for the Asian tourney.
“The team is very eager. Every member of the team has tried to step up for flag and country, from start to finish,” said Morado de Guzman during a presentation on Monday at the Shangrila Hotel in Makati.
The Philippines has been drawn in Pool A, along with Australia, India, Iran, and Chinese Taipei.
The winner of the weeklong meet will get a berth in the FIVB Challenge Cup, with the champion then bagging a ticket to next year’s Volleyball Nations League.
“This is the first time after so many years that we have a mix of young players from the UAAP and PVL players. This will be a very good lineup,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the gathering, which was graced by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.
National coach Jorge Souza de Brito is bringing together a group of players from the Premier Volleyball League, headed by Morado dr Guzman and the high-flying Sisi Rondina.
Collegiate stars such as Bella Belen and Angel Canino have reinforced the team.
The world no. 63 world-ranked Filipinas will first clash with no. 59 Australia on Thursday at 7 p.m.
After that, the Filipinas will meet India on Friday at 7 p.m. and Iran on Saturday.
