The PNVF unveiled a 19-player Alas Pilipinas Women pool led by Jia De Guzman and packed with PVL and UAAP stars, as the team eyes its first SEA Games gold medal since 1993.
Team captain Jia De Guzman will once again lead a loaded Alas Pilipinas Women squad as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) unveiled a 19-member pool aiming for the gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.
“Nothing less than the gold medal,” declared PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, after the federation’s board approved head coach Jorge Souza de Brito’s lineup.
Suzara emphasized that the team is composed of the best talents from both the PVL and the UAAP.
A mix of veterans and young stars
De Guzman leads the setter position alongside Galeries Tower’s Julia Coronel and Akari’s Mars Alba.
[ALSO READ: Jia de Guzman hopeful for PH volleyball’s future with 2029 FIVB World Championship hosting]
The liberos include Cignal veteran Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Chery Tiggo’s Jen Nierva, and Akari’s Justine Jazareno, who was hailed the Best Libero during the 2025 SEA V.League Leg 2.
Osaka Marvelous’ Alyssa Solomon and Choco Mucho’s Kat Tolentino will serve as opposite hitters, while a talented cast of outside hitters include Adamson’s Shaina Nitura, Eya Laure, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, La Salle’s Angel Canino, Capital1’s Bella Belen, and PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan.
[ALSO READ: Angel Canino, Bella Belen relish dream chance to compete in 2029 FIVB Women's World Championship]
Manning the middle are PLDT’s Dell Palomata, La Salle’s Amie Provido, Choco Mucho’s Maddie Madayag, ZUS Coffee’s Thea Gagate, and Akari’s Fifi Sharma.
Eyes on gold
Suzara confirmed that the team will hold a training camp from November 15 to 30, either in Japan or Taiwan, as part of its buildup for the SEA Games.
The biennial meet is scheduled December 10 to 19 at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.
[ALSO READ: PNVF's Tats Suzara unveils 7-year plan to sustain PH men's volleyball boom after FIVB MWCH]
The Philippines last won a SEA Games women’s volleyball gold medal in 1993 in Singapore.
Thailand remains the region’s dominant force with 16 titles, while the Philippines actually has six gold medals, buoyed by winning five of the first six tournaments.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.