Here’s what you need to know about Alas Pilipinas’ next steps following their respective AVC Challenge Cup campaigns.
Undoubtedly, there’s a lot to be excited about Alas Pilipinas right now. After all, its women’s squad is coming off a historic run in the AVC Challenge Cup on home soil, and the PNVF is bent on establishing continuity within the program.
And while the men’s team isn’t too fortunate in their own Challenge Cup, it’s hard to deny the amount of talent within their group, which could produce positive results if given ample time to prepare and develop chemistry with each other moving forward.
With that, here’s a rundown of Alas Pilipinas’ next steps, from their schedule, up to possible movements within their respective lineups.
Next tune-ups, tournaments
Following their historic AVC Challenge Cup run, Alas Pilipinas women’s will have a scheduled exhibition game this June 7 at Daegu City as part of the “75th anniversary between the Philippines and Korea’s diplomatic relations and 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in South Korea”.
Here, Alas will be facing the Powerful Daegu, which is the Daegu Metropolitan Government Women’s Volleyball Team under the Korea Corporate Volleyball Federation (KCVF), according to the Philippine embassy in Korea.
The men’s side was supposed to have a friendly against the Japanese national team on June 15 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. But per the PNVF on June 14, the exhibition was cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances that have impacted its preparation and scheduling”.
Up next for the senior teams is the FIVB Challenger Cup, where Alas women’s will compete by virtue of being host country. With a VNL 2025 berth on the line, the tilt will run from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
Last is the SEA V.League (formerly the ASEAN Grand Prix) at around late July to mid-August, where both Alas squads will try to avoid another last-placed finish.
Lineup, coaching developments
Per the PNVF, Alas Pilipinas women’s bronze medal core is set to be retained, but with Bella Belen, Aly Solomon, Casiey Dongallo rejoining.
“It’s a breakthrough [AVC Women’s Challenge Cup], it’s historic, and the obvious next step is to keep this team intact and make it stronger and much more competitive. And next year, in the SEA Games, I believe we’ll have a very strong fighting chance,” PNVF President Tats Suzara said in a statement.
Meanwhile, nothing is set in stone yet for Alas men’s, given their ongoing AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain. But with their 21-player pool, we can expect about seven more debutants (including star Bryan Bagunas) in the men’s squad for their succeeding contests.
In terms of coaching, Suzara confirmed that de Brito will be with Alas Pilipinas until SEA Games 2025 in Thailand. Now it remains to be seen what happens for the men’s side mentored by Sergio Veloso.
“After careful thoughts, consideration and consultation with the PNVF board, I would like to officially announce that we would like to retain Coach Jorge until the SEA Games 2025,” Suzara said in a statement following Alas Pilipinas’ Serve-Spike-Unite! exhibition against Powerful Daegu.
“There are so many events up ahead for Alas Pilipinas so let’s continue supporting the team and the program.”
Alas Pilipinas is a step in the right direction for Philippine volleyball, so here’s to hoping for continuity and stability for the country’s national volleyball teams.
Banner image courtesy of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
Related Stories:
63 Years Later: Alas Pilipinas Caps Off AVC Challenge Cup With Breakthrough Bronze Finish
This Alas Pilipinas Men’s Team Is A Powerhouse Collection
From Laguna to Being The Philippines’ Best: Owa Retamar Builds On His Own Breed of Winning