Alas Pilipinas kick off their 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup campaign against Mongolia on June 7 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Alas Pilipinas open their campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup with high hopes and a stronger-than-ever lineup against Mongolia on Saturday, June 7, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Coming off a historic bronze finish in last year’s edition, then known as the AVC Challenge Cup, Alas Women are determined to build on that momentum in the now rebranded tournament.
Team captain Jia de Guzman and outside spiker Angel Canino headline the squad, bringing experience and stability to a retooled roster that includes some of the country’s brightest young stars.
The Philippines, ranked no. 52 in the world, is aiming for a deeper run this time around.
Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, along with reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, are expected to inject athleticism and scoring punch. Eya Laure and Vanie Gandler add depth and explosiveness to the wings, while opposite hitters Alyssa Solomon and newcomer Cla Loresco bring added firepower.
[ALSO READ: Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura expected to lead ‘new era’ for Alas Pilipinas]
De Guzman, last year’s AVC Best Setter, returns to lead the playmaking, with Julia Coronel providing reliable support at the setter spot.
The net will be manned by towering middle blockers Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Dell Palomata, forming a tough defensive wall. On the defensive end, national team regulars Dawn Catindig and Jen Nierva continue to serve as the squad’s libero rotation.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas finalize 14-woman lineup for 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup]
Saturday’s opponent, Mongolia, returns to the AVC stage after skipping last year’s edition held in Manila.
The Philippines will look to set the tone early in this six-day group stage campaign, with tough matches looming against Indonesia on June 8), Iran on June 10, New Zealand on June 11, and Kazakhstan on June 12.
Vietnam, the tournament’s three-time reigning champion, is grouped in Pool B with Australia, India, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong.
[NEXT: SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas Women ready to test mettle in AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup]