By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The Alas Pilipinas team gearing up for the tough challenge ahead in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup scheduled on June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
Head coach Shaq Delos Santos stressed that the main focus is to form the best team possible.
“The goal first is how to make the team strong. Right now, we only have a pool,” said Delos Santos in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.
Delos Santos said the final roster will be culled from the current 20-player pool that includes Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina and Alyssa Valdez, all members of the 2019 SEA Games team.
The three players and four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Nina Ytang from University of the Philippines joined Delos Santos in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
“We’re very, very humbled and excited to be part of the national team again and represent the country with pride,” Valdez said.
“But realistically, we cannot predict anything. All we can do now is to prepare well. The Filipinos can expect the best from Alas Pilipinas,” she added.
Gonzaga has expressed her excitement to represent the country once more.
“It feels good to be back in the national team. We are excited. Once the country calls for your service we will be here. It is hard to turn down the national team. The only focus is preparation, no expectations yet,” she said.
Also in the pool that is expected to troop to Candon to train next week are Trisha Tubu, Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Tots Carlos, Kyle Negrito, Kyla Atienza, Alyssa Eroa, Clo Mondoñedo, Thea Gagate, and collegiate players Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Cla Loresco, Lara Mae Silva, Vanessa Sarie, Natalie Estreller, Clarisse Loresco, Jonna Perdido and Adamson’s Lhouriz Tuddao.
“Many players were invited but they are the ones who committed to representing our country,” said Delos Santos.
Alas Pilipinas will be in Pool A along with Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Australia and Uzbekistan, while reigning champion Vietnam banners Pool B with Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Lebanon. (PNA)
