Alas Pilipinas' Jia de Guzman. Photo from PVL Images
MANILA – "Tiwala. 🇵🇭"
This was Alas Pilipinas captain Jia de Guzman's call to action as the national team gears up for a daunting task in the upcoming 2024 FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup.
De Guzman posted this on X (formerly Twitter) amid criticisms of the public regarding role changes within Alas Pilipinas.
"You may not know the real reasons or stories behind it, but tough decisions are not made for nothing," the star setter said.
Spin.ph reported Wednesday that Creamline star spiker Jema Galanza will not be taking on libero duties—instead, that part will be given to 5-foot-11 middle blocker Cherry Nunag.
But before that, Galanza was bestowed the defensive job—to the surprise of many in the volleyball community.
Hostilities will start Thursday, July 4, at the Ninoy Aquino stadium but Alas will not play until Friday, when they will face recent AVC Challenge Cup champion and 34th-ranked Vietnam.
READ: Alas Pilipinas to face Vietnam in FIVB Challenger Cup opener
READ: Alas Pilipinas women succumb to Korea's Powerful Daegu in friendly match
The top team in the tilt will qualify for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) next year.
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