MANILA, Philippines — Philippine volleyball will finally get a chance to see Angel Canino and Bella Belen play in one team as the last two UAAP MVPs have committed to represent the country in its hosting of the AVC Challenge Cup from May 22 to 29 at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Multiple sources confirmed to Inquirer Sports that the stars of La Salle and National University have committed to suit up for the Philippine women’s volleyball team in coach Jorge Souza De Brito’s last dance.
A source privy to the situation bared that although Canino is still recovering from a right forearm injury, she is keen to play for the national team with her La Salle teammates Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel after settling for bronze in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
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Another insider bared that Belen and Alyssa Solomon will train with the team right after the finals, where NU tries to clinch the crown on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. University of the East super rookie Casiey Dongallo is also set to bolster the team.
Inquirer Sports has reached out for De Brito’s confirmation but the Brazilian mentor has yet to respond as of posting time.
Denso Airybees and Creamline setter Jia De Guzman and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag are also part of the roster which also includes PVL stars Eya Laure of Chery Tiggo, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and PLDT’s Dell Palomata.
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De Brito is still waiting for Akari players Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma as well as Nxled’s Ivy Lacsina.
The Philippines is in Pool A with Chinese Taipei, India, Iran, and Australia.
The Nationals placed seventh when De Brito and the core of the Akari Chargers competed last year in Indonesia.