Mars Alba in the PVL.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Mars Alba is set for her Alas Pilipinas debut as the Philippines face Japan SV.League’s Saga Hisamitsu Springs this weekend at Philsports Arena.
Alba was added to the Philippine women’s volleyball team roster as it missed setter Jia De Guzman, who is already in Japan for Denso AiryBees’ season.
Alas coach Jorge Souza De Brito is happy to finally coach the Choco Mucho setter as he has been eyeing her for a long time, marveling at the player’s commitment and enthusiasm to join his squad.
READ: Japan teams ready to test Alas Pilipinas mettle
“I’m very happy for the opportunity. Even in a short time, it’s good to have her here,” the Brazilian coach told Inquirer Sports. “She is giving her 100 percent commitment and effort here and enjoying her time.”
De Brito, though, noted that he can’t answer if Alba will be part of the pool for good as the team is eyeing to end a two-decade medal drought in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Alba, the UAAP Season 85 Best Setter and Finals MVP, is reuniting with former La Salle teammate and playmaker Julia Coronel and teaming up with captain Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, Jen Nierva, Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Sisi Rondina, and Cherry Nunag as well as National University stars Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique.
Jema Galanza wasn’t part of the roster following back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA V.League as her team battles the Japanese squad led by Miyu Nagaoka.
READ: Alas Pilipinas teams set for exhibition vs visiting Japan clubs
Meanwhile, Owa Retamar wasn’t part of Alas men’s in facing Japan national team start Yuji Nishida and Osaka Bluteon.
Alas Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will rely on EJ Casaña and Adrian Villados to orchestrate his offense for two-time SEA V.League best outside spiker Buds Buddin, Louie Ramirez, Noel Kampton, and captain Kim Malabunga.
Missing Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, Jade Disquitado is also expected to step up with Leo Ordiales, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, JP Bugaoan, Lloyd Josafat, Choi Diao, and liberos Josh Ybañez and Vince Lorenzo.