Jia De Guzman leads the 14-woman Alas Pilipinas roster in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, which opens on December 9.
De Guzman, who serves as the team captain, remains to be the heart and soul of the Alas core as they try to end a 20-year medal drought in the biennial meet.
The 14-woman roster released on Thursday morning is subject to change. Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao told the Inquirer that Brazilian coach Jorge Souza De Brito requested a change in line-up, which awaits the approval of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
De Guzman and Akari’s Mars Alba are tasked to run the plays of De Brito, who will coach in his third SEA Games.
Young stars Bella Belen of Capital1, Alyssa Solomon of Osaka Marvelous, La Salle’s Angel Canino, and Adamson’s Shaina Nitura headline the spikers with Eya Laure, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, and PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan.
Dell Palomata of PLDT, Amie Provido of La Salle, and Maddie Madayag of Choco Mucho protect the frontline, while liberos Dawn Catindig of Cignal and Justine Jazareno of Akari defend the floor.
The Philippines also won two bronze medals in the SEA V.League.
“Of course, playing in international leagues is a big thing for me. The level of movement and play there is really different. And it really boosts my confidence because I get to compete against so many strong players internationally,” said Palomata.
Alas women aim for the best finish in the SEA Games despite the limited training.
The women’s national volleyball team is slated in Pool A, facing defending champion Thailand on December 11 and Singapore on December 12.
