Alas Pilipinas begins its campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup with high hopes as it takes on returning Mongolia this Saturday, Jun 7, in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Led by stalwarts Angel Canino and Jia de Guzman, the Philippines looks to build on its historic bronze medal finish in last year’s edition of the rebranded tournament. Now ranked World No. 52, the squad aims for an even stronger performance with the addition of exciting new talents.

Belen joins seasoned core in reloaded lineup

Three-time UAAP MVP and PVL top draft pick Bella Belen joins the roster alongside UAAP Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, adding youth and firepower to the team’s offensive arsenal.

Jia de Guzman, who continues her stint in Japan’s V.League, returns to orchestrate plays as the team’s top setter. De Guzman was named Best Setter in the 2024 AVC Women’s Challenge Cup—an event that saw the Philippines capture its first continental medal in over six decades.

Angel Canino, last year’s Best Opposite Hitter, returns to her natural outside hitter role and is expected to lead the attack for the team under the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Stacked rotation preps for week-long battle

Eya Laure and Vanie Gandler add depth to the lineup, while Sisi Rondina sits out this tournament to focus on her beach volleyball duties.

Newcomer Cla Loresco joins the fold, teaming up with fellow opposite hitter Alyssa Solomon. At the net, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Dell Palomata form a strong defensive wall.

Back in the mix are Julia Coronel, a reliable presence when De Guzman is away, and liberos Dawn Catindig and Jen Nierva, who bring stability on defense.

The match against Mongolia kicks off at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Mongolia did not participate in the previous year’s event held in Manila.

Alas Pilipinas continues its group stage journey with matches against Indonesia (Sunday, 1:30 p.m.), Iran (Tuesday, 4 p.m.), New Zealand (Wednesday, 4 p.m.), and Kazakhstan (Thursday, 11 a.m.).

Defending champion Vietnam headlines the opposite pool alongside Australia, India, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong.

With a well-rounded squad, Alas Pilipinas hopes to open its AVC Nations Cup run on a strong note and push for another deep finish in Asia’s premier women’s volleyball tournament.