Alas Pilipinas enter the SEA V.League with confidence following a historic silver medal finish in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup, as well as back-to-back bronze medals in the 2024 SEA V.League.
Angel Canino and the rest of Alas Pilipinas brace for a tough opening assignment as they face regional powerhouse Thailand in Leg 1 of the 2025 SEA V.League on Friday, August 1.
Match is set at 6 p.m., Manila time, with Alas looking to make a splash right away in the tournament.
Fresh off a historic silver medal finish in the AVC Challenge Cup, Alas now enters the SEA V.League with a promising core of rising stars and returning veterans.
Canino will lead a youthful but battle-tested crew that includes fellow standouts Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Shainah Nitura, all of whom are poised to play major roles for the national team.
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They’ll be backed by established stars like captain Jia de Guzman, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Dell Palomata, Dawn Catindig, and Maddie Madayag, as well as young middle blockers Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Cla Loresco.
Completing the roster are setter Mars Alba, libero Justine Jazareno, and Leila Cruz.
Though the buildup is part of the Philippines’ long-term goal of peaking in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games—also to be held in Thailand—Alas is treating the SEA V.League as a vital competitive stretch.
Still, head coach Jorge de Brito is keeping his team grounded.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
[ALSO READ: Jorge De Brito acknowledges ‘higher expectations’ for Alas Pilipinas in SEA V.League]
Thailand, long a regional juggernaut, will look to defend its home court and test the mettle of an Alas squad determined to show it belongs among Southeast Asia’s elite. And they are seeking a strong showing after a 17th place finish in the Volleyball Nations League.
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Alas has never won a set against Thailand in the reiteration of the SEA V.League.
Alas Pilipinas will aim to start strong in their opening match—and perhaps, send a message that they’re no longer just contenders, but real threats.
[SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Alas Pilipinas Women compete in 2025 SEA V.League]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[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.]