Candon city: The Alas Pilipinas team is preparing for the upcoming Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. Head coach Shaq Delos Santos emphasized the importance of forming the strongest team possible for the tournament.

According to Philippines News Agency, Delos Santos shared that the final roster will be selected from a current pool of 20 players. Notable players in this pool include Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, and Alyssa Valdez, all of whom were part of the 2019 SEA Games team. Joining them is four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Nina Ytang from the University of the Philippines. These athletes, along with Delos Santos, participated in a session organized by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, the Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and ArenaPlus.

Valdez expressed her enthusiasm about being part of the national team again and representing the country. She acknowledged the unpredictability of the tournament's outcome but assured that the team is preparing thoroughly. Gonzaga echoed this sentiment, highlighting the honor of being called to serve on the national team and emphasizing the focus on preparation over expectations.

The player pool set to train in Candon includes Trisha Tubu, Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Tots Carlos, Kyle Negrito, Kyla Atienza, Alyssa Eroa, Clo Mondo±edo, Thea Gagate, and several collegiate players such as Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Cla Loresco, Lara Mae Silva, Vanessa Sarie, Natalie Estreller, Clarisse Loresco, Jonna Perdido, and Adamson's Lhouriz Tuddao. Delos Santos noted that while many players were invited, these are the ones who committed to representing the country.

Alas Pilipinas will compete in Pool A alongside teams from Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, reigning champion Vietnam leads Pool B, which also includes Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Lebanon.