Jia de Guzman leads 20-player Alas Pilipinas pool for SEA Games gold push in Thailand

Veteran setter Jia de Guzman will once again be the heartbeat of Alas Pilipinas as the national women’s volleyball team embarks on its quest to end a two-decade medal drought in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) unveiled a 20-player pool blending the best of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), UAAP, and overseas-based talent — signaling a renewed commitment to build a formidable lineup capable of finally reclaiming regional glory.

Fronting the Nationals’ attack are a mix of youthful firepower and tested poise: Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alleiah Malaluan — all known for their explosive scoring and fearless floor coverage.

A strong rotation of opposite hitters will complement them, led by Kat Tolentino, who makes her national team return, alongside Japan V.League rookie Alyssa Solomon and La Salle’s Leila Cruz, both seen as rising stars for the future of Philippine volleyball.

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ALAS PILIPINAS’ SEA GAMES POOL

Here is Alas Pilipinas Women’s 19-player pool eyeing to end the country’s two-decade medal drought in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December. #AlasPilipinas #SEAGames #PVL2025 #UAAPSeason88 @spinph pic.twitter.com/2cj0I6ivEm

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) October 28, 2025

Anchoring the defensive line are Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Maddie Madayag, and Amie Provido, a towering quintet expected to fortify the net and provide stability in the middle.

Running the team’s tempo is a deep setting corps led by de Guzman, who will be joined by fellow playmakers Mars Alba and Julia Coronel, while Dawn Catindig will share captaincy duties as she anchors the back row with liberos Justine Jazareno and Jen Nierva.

Notably absent from the pool are Fil-Am mainstays Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Tia Andaya, as well as Fil-Aussie standout Shevana Laput, who previously suited up for the Philippines in international tournaments such as the 2025 VTV Cup.

The final 14-player roster will be selected by head coach Jorge Souza de Brito following an intensive training camp from November 15 to 30, a crucial stretch aimed at fine-tuning chemistry and tactical cohesion ahead of the team’s trip to Bangkok.

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara made the federation’s mission clear: “Nothing less than the gold medal,” he declared, underscoring the heightened expectations for a program that has steadily rebuilt through international stints and domestic success stories.

However, the team’s SEA Games participation remains under scrutiny after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) reminded the PVL of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) requiring the league’s cooperation to “guarantee a potentially strong finish” for the national squad — a necessary step to ensure Alas Pilipinas can fully commit to its gold-medal chase.

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