Alas Pilipinas will open its 2024 AVC Challenge Cup campaign against Australia on May 23 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The country is grouped with Australia, India, Iran, and Chinese Taipei in Pool A.
Meanwhile, Pool B consists of defending champion Vietnam, runner-up Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Denso Airybees star setter Jia de Guzman will be leading the mix alongside fellow PVL aces Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, Vanie Gandler, Dawn Catindig, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Fifi Sharma, Jen Nierva, and Faith Nisperos.
De La Salle Lady Spikers Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, and Julia Coronel rounded out the pool.
Creamline stars Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos, according to a reliable source, were invited to Alas but denied the offer as they have already scheduled a trip to Spain to celebrate their recent championships in the PVL.
Recently crowned UAAP champions Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon of National University were originally included in the pool but begged off from national team duty to recover following the conclusion of their Season 86 run.
UE super rookie Casiey Dongallo, who was also added to the pool, suffered a right arm injury before the tourney and could not don national colors, according to another source.
NU's Arah Panique was reportedly stepping in for Dongallo to boost the national team.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. ordered "all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all local government units are encouraged, to extend full support to the Philippine hosting of volleyball and beach volleyball events in 2024," including the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara extended his gratitude to Malacanang after the development.
“We are grateful to President Marcos Jr. and to Executive Secretary Bersamin for their support, which the PNVF believes would help further elevate Philippine volleyball to world-class level,” Suzara said.
