By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Three Negrense volleybelles are among the 33 prospects invited to a series of tryouts to determine the composition of the Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball teams for three major international competitions this year.

Among those invited are Bacolod City-native Angel Canino, Negros Occidental’s San Enrique-native Arah Panique and Negros Occidental’s La Carlota-native Christine Joy Soyud.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said Alas Pilipinas head coach Brazilian Jorge Edson Sauza de Brito will supervise the tryouts.

The dates and venue will be announced later.

“These are quality young players from the professional league PVL, from abroad and schools,” Suzara said in a statement on Thursday, March 27.

“This is a wish list of players for the national team that I fervently want to see competing for our flag and country,” he added.

Others invited to the tryout are Mars Alba, Tia Andaya, Julia Coronel, Julia Morado-De Guzman, Camille Lamina, Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, Hannah Stires, Diana Carlos, Shevana Laput, Faith Nisperos, Alyssa Solomon, Mhicaela Belen, Evangeline Alinsug, Vanessa Gandler, Eya Laure, Alleiah Malalulan, Glaudine Troncoso, Brooke Van Sickle, Shaina Nitura, Savannah Davidson, Thea Gagate, Clarisse Loresco, Madeleine Madayag, Del Palomata, Jeanette Panaga, MarJana Philips, Amie Provido, and Fifi Sharma.

Among the Alas Pilipinas games this year are the 6th AVC Challenge Cup for Women (June 8 to 15), the 5th Southeast Asian V. League Week 1 (July 25 to 27) and Week 2 (August 1 to 3) at still-to-be-determined venues, and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand (December 7 to 19).

“We are very confident to tap the best players in every position,” De Brito said.

“The Philippines has a lot of great talents from the collegiate ranks up to the pro ranks, and we are improving ever since I arrived,” he said.

“We just need to work hard to let the players grow,” he added./ASC, WDJ