Alas Pilipinas during the VTV International Women’s Cup semifinals against Russia’s Korabelka. –USPORTS
Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito is embracing higher expectations as they come into their final tournament that would have hopefully sharpened the Nationals well enough to end a 20-year medal drought in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
De Brito and the talent-rich Alas pool are leaving no stones unturned in the final stretch of preparation for the SEA V.League first leg in Thailand from August 1 to August 3, braving the inclement weather to train at Philsports Arena and be battle-ready for December.
With a deep pool of PVL and UAAP stars and after a runner-up finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup, De Brito is aware of higher standards for the Nationals, but also emphasized the progress of this young group in going up against the region’s powerhouses Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
“We work to get results, but we also understand that we are in the process of growing,” De Brito told the Inquirer. “Working to be consistent on understanding the game, how to manage everything, and still perform better and better. We are in a constant progression.
“We want to grow fast. But consistency takes time. We are on the way.”
De Brito is facing a beautiful problem with two different squads to choose from after several stars rose to the occasion in the national team’s last two international tournaments.
Last year’s core, led by captain Jia De Guzman, Angel Canino, Dell Palomata, Eya Laure, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig as well as debutant and UAAP Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, achieved a rare AVC final appearance, yielding to Vietnam in the Nations Cup last June.
In another tournament in Vietnam, Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, who are just waiting for the go signal from the FIVB for their transfer of federations, played big for the Philippines in the VTV Women’s International Cup.
That team also had newcomers Leila Cruz, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Tia Andaya and Justine Jazareno, who all turned heads despite a fourth-place finish after getting swept by Chinese Taipei in the bronze medal game.
De Brito lauded the dedication and commitment of his pool members to play for the flag.
“We are doing good. We’re training really hard even with guys attending their teams on PVL On Tour during weekends,” he said. “This group always surprises me with its commitment. There is no weather that could stop us. We have our goals and we’re gonna keep working to get it.”
Alas is looking to surpass its two bronze medal finishes in the V.League last year when it opens its campaign against defending champion and host Thailand on Aug. 1, before wrapping up the first leg against Nations Cup champion Vietnam a day later and then Indonesia on Aug. 3.
The second leg will be held in Vietnam from August 8 to August 10.
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The national team will also play a friendly match against the World No. 11 Dominican Republic after the SEA V.League.