Jia de Guzman headlines Alas pool for SEA Games

Metro Manila, Philippines - A mix of young and seasoned talents comprise the Alas Pilipinas women's pool that will compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand in December.

Team captain Jia de Guzman banners the 19-player pool announced by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Joining her as playmakers are La Salle alumni Mars Alba and Julia Coronel.

Premier Volleyball League players Dawn Macandili-Catindig (Cignal), Justine Jazareno (Akari), and Jen Nierva (Chery Tiggo) will be manning the floor as liberos.

The outside hitter position is composed of pro stars Bella Belen (Capital1), Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler (Cignal), Alleiah Malaluan (PLDT), and collegiate standouts Angel Canino (La Salle) and Shaina Nitura (Adamson University).

Outside spikers Alyssa Solomon (Osaka Marvelous) and Kat Tolentino (Choco Mucho) are also part of the pool.

Meanwhile, Maddie Madayag (Choco Mucho), Thea Gagate (Zus Coffee), Fifi Sharma (Akari), Dell Palomata (PLDT), and Amie Provido (La Salle) will be the anchors on the front defense as middle blockers.

Jorge de Brito will be calling the shots for the national squad.

The pool will be trimmed to the final 14 players in the coming weeks.

The Philippines last won the SEA Games women's volleyball gold in 1993.

The Alas women's team will be holding a training camp in mid-November as part of its preparation for the biennial meet.