Jia De Guzman defended Alas Pilipinas’ lineup rotations in international play such as the SEA V.League, saying the mix-and-match approach continues to improve the team’s chemistry and trust in their system.
Adaptability has become a defining strength of Alas Pilipinas Women in their podium finishes over the past international tournaments.
The national team is fresh off back-to-back bronze medal finishes in the 2025 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League).
Fans have been vocal online with their opinions on the team's rotations during both legs. But team captain Jia De Guzman backed the coaching staff’s mixing-and-matching of lineups, especially for day-to-day international competitions.
“It's what is needed in the national team, especially with tournaments na every day naglalaro,” De Guzman said during a promotional LRT-2 ride for the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
“It's not like the local tournaments we play na you can stick to a specific seven and then you get to rest 4-5 days before the next game. Eto, every game naglalaro and we're expected to play with anyone who is put inside the court.”
[ALSO READ: Jorge De Brito acknowledges ‘higher expectations’ for Alas Pilipinas in SEA V.League]
De Guzman went on saying that both the players and coaches share a clear direction, with every member buying into head coach Jorge de Brito’s system.
“We’re all comfortable playing with each other and that's because start pa lang nung season na ito, pati last year, sina coach did everything they could and are encouraging us to be able to play and perform [with] who else is inside the court,” she emphasized.
“At the end of the day, we're all playing in the same system, we're all trusting in the same system, so it should be easier for us to work together kahit sinong pumasok sa loob.”
[ALSO READ: Jorge de Brito reiterates role of system, chemistry in growing Alas Pilipinas program]
Leg 1 of the SEA V.League saw Alas take a set from Thailand for the first time in the tournament since its iteration as the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix.
Angel Canino was hailed one of the Best Outside Spikers.
In Leg 2, the Philippines managed to snatch a set from the powerhouse team once again.
And this time, it was Justine Jazareno who was awarded Best Libero.
Given their success, De Guzman sees these results as “building blocks” toward the national program’s long-term goals.
“These are all building blocks of what we want to do as a team. Clear naman 'yung direction sa aming players and coaches kung ano 'yung gusto namin ma-achieve,” said De Guzman. “The small steps ng progress, ng building a system, and getting more people to come into the team and buy into the system. It shows na 'yung recent wins namin na things are working and sana magtuloy-tuloy lang talaga.”
For now, Alas Women will continue their training and preparations for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand in December.
[NEXT: Alas Pilipinas set for friendlies with world No. 11 Dominican Republic after SEA V.League]
@onesportsphl [tg vid] HYPE ON THE RAILS 🚊 The Alas Pilipinas Women join the promotional campaign for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, making an appearance at LRT-2 as part of efforts to boost excitement for the upcoming tournament. | via Kiko Demigillo/One Sports #AlasPilipinas #MWCH #FIVB ? original sound - OneSportsPHL