The Philippine Olympic Committee on Sunday named an 21-player pool headed by Bella Belen, Eya Laure and Alyssa Solomon that would comprise the Alas Pilipinas women’s team battling in the volleyball competition of the Asian Games set September 16 to October 3 in Aichi, Japan.
Also named into the squad are former members of the Nationals that finished fourth in the Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December last year including Jen Nierva, Thea Gagate, Angel Canino, Fifi Sharma, Vannie Gandler, Justine Jazareno and Amie Povido.
The other members of the pool were Alleiah Malaluan, Nina Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Gel Cayuna, Shaina Nitura, Dell Palomata, Dawn Catindig, Mars Alba, Jia de Guzman and Shaira Jardio.
Coaching the team is Japanese Takayuki Minowa, husband of former national team member Jaja Santiago.
The POC also retained Italian Angiolino Frigoni as mentor of the Alas men with Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo spearheading 14-member squad.
Lloyd Josafat, Jude Garcia, Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Ave Joshua Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Kristofer Rodge Alejos and Trevor Torio complete the men’s side.
The POC said the head coaches’ appointments take effect on July 1 and expire on October 15.
The POC had asked the Premier Volleyball League’s full support in loaning its players to Alas.
The POC had taken over the national teams while the Philippine National Volleyball Federation is suspended by the FIVB, the sport’s world governing body.