Manila: The Alas Pilipinas women's volleyball team is gearing up to face formidable opponents in the 33rd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Thailand this year. The competition, scheduled from December 9 to 20, is expected to be intense as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines all aim for a podium finish.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Filipino volleybelles recently returned from Hanoi where they secured a second-place finish against their Vietnamese rivals in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup. Brazilian coach Jorge De Brito, speaking at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum, acknowledged the high standards maintained by the top four teams vying for the SEAG title.
Coach De Brito, accompanied by Alas team captain Jia De Guzman, Dell Palomata, and Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon 'Tats' Suzara, emphasized the importance of performing well in the SEA Games. Although the games do not carry world ranking points, Suzara highlighted the significance of the event for the Alas women's team, which has not been part of the International Volleyball Federation's (FIVB) calendar.
The Philippines last won the SEAG gold medal in Singapore in 1993 and reached the podium in Manila in 2005. At the AVC Nations Cup, the team fell to Vietnam in the final, with scores of 15-25, 17-25, 14-25. Notable performances included De Guzman being named Best Setter, Palomata as Best Middle Blocker, and Angel Canino earning the Best Outside Spiker honors.
De Guzman expressed confidence in the team's potential to compete with Vietnam and Thailand, stating, "We just have to stick to the program, because if we do, I have no doubt that one day, we will reach that level also." She highlighted the recognition from other teams as evidence of the Philippines' growing threat in the region.
Coach De Brito stressed the importance of maintaining the current core of 25 players who won the silver medal in Hanoi. The Alas women's team is also set to compete in the 2025 VTV Cup and the Southeast Asian V. League before heading to the SEA Games.
