By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense star Angel Anne Canino will spearhead the campaign of Alas Pilipinas women as they gear up for the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December.

The dynamic outside hitter from University of St. La Salle headlines the 18-player pool released by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation on Tuesday, October 28, bringing her trademark firepower and energy to a lineup blending experience and youth.

Canino, a key figure in the national team’s recent international runs, will lead a talented wing crew that also includes Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura, and Alleiah Malaluan.

Veteran setter Jia Morado-De Guzman returns to anchor the playmaking duties, backed by Julia Coronel and Mars Alba, while defensive specialists Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jen Nierva and Justine Jazareno reinforce the backline.

The middle blocker rotation features Dell Palomata, Amie Provido, Maddie Madayag, Thea Gagate, and Fifi Sharma, expected to fortify the team’s net defense.

Meanwhile, Alyssa Solomon and Kat Tolentino will power the opposite hitter position.

Head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito will finalize the lineup before the SEA Games, where Alas Pilipinas aims to build on its recent momentum and contend for a podium finish./ASC, WDJ