Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge De Brito stressed that growth remains the top priority as the team eyes a strong SEA V.League run with a battle-tested core.
Alas Pilipinas are gearing up for the 2025 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) with a proven roster, capable of winning in regional tournaments.
While all eyes will be on the national team, head coach Jorge De Brito is keeping the team grounded despite the heightened expectations.
“The main expectation is always for us to keep on growing, and as we keep on talking to players, the result is always a consequence,” De Brito told One Sports. “We know we have the chance to get bronze or even reach the Final, but we need to work hard. Expectations are high, but we have to put in the work.”
Alas Women enter the tournament with a major boost compared to last year, thanks to a quartet of UAAP stars—Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Shaina Nitura, who are proving to be ready to shine in the international stage.
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Joining them are Eya Laure, Leila Cruz, Vanie Gandler, and Cla Loresco, providing depth and flexibility in offense.
Team captain Jia De Guzman continues to orchestrate the offense alongside Mars Alba, while liberos Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig will anchor floor defense.
The middle blocker rotation is equally loaded, featuring Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Maddie Madayag.
This core already made history by bagging a historic silver medal finish in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup. But while that may be the case, De Brito emphasized that success won’t come easy against some of their regional rivals.
“It’s going to be hard. It was hard last year and the past few years—it’s always been tough,” he added. “But we’ve been successful because we stayed committed. This lineup is good, but we need to grow a lot as a team. It’s a process, and in that process, we have to win ourselves every single day.”
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With FIVB world ranking points on the line, Alas Women will aim to improve on their current standing as the world’s no. 47.
Leg 1 of the SEA V.League runs from August 1 to 3 in Thailand, followed by Leg 2 from August 8 to 10 in Vietnam.