Nitura, Canino expected to step up as Alas Pilipinas brace for Iran in AVC Nations Cup

With Alyssa Solomon hurt, Shaina Nitura and Angel Canino are expected to rise to the occasion as the red-hot Alas Pilipinas battle fellow unbeaten Iran in a pivotal AVC Women’s Nations Cup Pool B showdown on Monday, June 9 at 4 p.m. (Manila time) in Vietnam.

Both the Philippines and Iran sport 2-0 records, making their matchup a crucial test in the race for a top 2 finish in the group—and a coveted semifinal berth.

[RELATED: Shaina Nitura grateful for chance to shine as Alas Pilipinas stay perfect in AVC Nations Cup]

Alas Pilipinas, riding high after sweeping Mongolia and battling past Indonesia in four sets, now face their toughest challenge yet.

But the focus shifts slightly with Solomon listed day-to-day after sustaining an injury in set 4 against Indonesia. The explosive opposite spiker sat out during the opener but made an immediate impact in her debut before being forced to exit.

In her potential absence, national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito will look to Canino, Nitura, and newly-crowned PVL no. 1 pick Bella Belen to help carry the offensive load. 

Setter Jia Morado-De Guzman will continue to orchestrate the attack, leaning on a deep arsenal that also includes veteran scorers Eya Laure and Vanie Gandler.

Iran, meanwhile, gritted out a pair of hard-fought wins over Indonesia and New Zealand, proving their resilience and tactical discipline. 

Their physical net defense and consistent serving pose a fresh challenge for an Alas squad aiming to at least replicate last year’s historic bronze-medal finish.

With a punishing schedule and pool supremacy at stake, Monday’s clash promises to test not just the talent but the composure of the young Filipino squad.

(With reports from Luisa Morales)

—

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]