Carlos, Galanza added to Alas pool for Challenger Cup
Source: The Manila times
MANILA, Philippines -- Creamline's deadly wing combo Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza has been added to the Alas Pilipinas women's pool for the FIVB Challenger Cup slated from July 4 to 7.
Alas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito confirmed the development on Tuesday as the Cool Smashers' 1-2 punch look to reinforce Alas in the tournament that will serve as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) next year.
Carlos and Galanza were initially named to the pool for the AVC Challenge Cup but were forced to opt out due to the Cool Smashers' trip to Spain.
Carlos and Galanza joined NU stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon as well as UE standout as the newest pool members of Alas, which claimed a historic bronze medal at the AVC Challenge Cup last month.
The quintet joins the retained Alas core led by veterans Sisi Rondina and Jia De Guzman as well as youthful stars Angel Canino, Eya Laure, and Thea Gatate.
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De Brito also named his wishlist for future international tournaments led by Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba and middle blocker Maddie Madayag, Akari wing spiker Ivy Lacsina, and Farm Fresh open spiker Jolina Dela Cruz.
"The same names I have, you have. We have a setter that we want to add in the future: (Mars) Alba from Choco Mucho. (Also) Maddie (Madayag) as a middle blocker can be one. You have also (Ivy) Lacsina, (Alyssa) Solomon, (Bella) Belen, Tots (Carlos), Jema (Galanza), there are many players," said the Brazilian tactician.
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De Brito is also looking to tap collegiate stars Tin Ubaldo of Far Eastern University and Gayle Pascual of College of St. Benilde.
"Even (Gayle) Pascual who played for the CSB, (Tin) Ubaldo, the setter from FEU. Some good names that you can always think about. They're developing themselves and every time you do that, you have a chance in the national team," De Brito said.
De Brito will coach Alas until the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next year after steering the Philippines to the Challenge Cup for Women bronze medal last month, the first for any Philippine team in an AVC tournament.