Rookies make Alas Pilipinas roster for AVC Women’s Nations Cup

Adamson Lady Falcons’ Shaina Nitura during a game against UP in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — UAAP rookies Shaina Nitura and Cla Loresco made it to the final roster of Alas Pilipinas for the AVC Women’s Nations Cup from June 7 to 14 in Vietnam.

Alas coach Jorge De Brito revealed the final roster to Inquirer Sports on Sunday with Nitura joining UAAP MVPs Bella Belen and Angel Canino in the 16-woman team.

READ: Alas Pilipinas teams to test mettle in AVC Nations Cup

Nitura, who had a record breaking UAAP Season 87 as Adamson’s Rookie of the Year, is making her first national team stint.

Far Eastern University rookie Loresco will also be part of Alas’ first competition this year, joining mainstays Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Dell Palomata.

“They are very talented, but still a long way [to go],” De Brito told Inquirer Sports.

“I hope they keep on improving in their teams so we can bring them again [in the national team].”

Leila Cruz, a late addition to the pool, will also make her national team debut with fellow wing spikers Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alyssa Solomon.

READ: Shaina Nitura eyes growth after UAAP breakout with shot at Alas roster

Team captain Jia De Guzman leads the setters Julia Coronel and two-time UAAP Best Setter Lams Lamina.

Liberos Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Jen Nierva, who was part of last year’s three bronze medals, complete the roster.

Alas, grouped in Pool B, faces Mongolia on Friday.

The Filipinos take on Indonesia on June 8, Iran on June 9, New Zealand on June 11 before clashing with Kazakhstan on June 12.

With the Nations Cup, Belen is likely to miss the PVL Rookie Draft night on June 8. Belen is the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the draft with the Capital1 Solar Spikers picking first.