Veteran stars return as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Asian Games roster

The Philippines will parade a veteran-laden Alas Pilipinas Women squad for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with several key players returning to reinforce the national team for the continental meet scheduled from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.

Team captain Jia De Guzman headlines the roster, which welcomes back a number of seasoned standouts who were unavailable during the recent AVC Women's Volleyball Cup in Candon.

The squad will be handled by Japanese coach Taka Minowa, who assumes the national team post after coaching stints with Akari and Nxled in the Premier Volleyball League.

Returning to the Alas Pilipinas lineup are Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Priovido, Arah Panique, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, Mars Alba, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, and Shaira Jardio.

Only Thea Gagate, Alyssa Solomon, and Nina Ytang remain from the squad that represented the country in the AVC Women's Volleyball Cup, underscoring the team's shift back to an experienced core for the Asian Games.

The national team, however, will be without rising star Shaina Nitura, who was originally named to the training pool before undergoing ankle surgery. She is expected to miss around three months while recovering.

Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas Men will continue to be coached by Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni, who remains at the helm of a squad largely made up of players who suited up for the country in last year's FIVB Men's World Championship.

Veteran spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo once again lead the men's roster, while five-time Spikers' Turf Most Valuable Player Jude Garcia is poised to make his debut with the indoor national team.

Also named to the men's lineup are Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Alejos, and Trevor Valera as the Philippines gears up for its Asian Games campaign.