Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips set for Alas Pilipinas debut in VTV Cup
Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips are finally set for their national team debuts, leading a new-look Alas Pilipinas Women team for the VTV Women's International Cup from June 28 to July 5 in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam.
Alas head coach Jorge de Brito confirmed the addition of the Petro Gazz duo as the Filipinas look to build on their historic silver medal finish in the AVC Nations Cup just weeks ago.
Van Sickle and Phillips are among the eight new faces in the team, with Choco Mucho rookie setter Tia Andaya joining the 17-woman pool to help veteran and two-time AVC Best Setter Jia de Guzman and Lams Lamina in the playmaking chores.
Also coming in as setter is another Choco Mucho star in Mars Alba.
Meanwhile, joining reigning AVC Best Middle Blocker Dell Palomata at the net are holdovers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate as well as the newcomer tandem of Maddie Madayag and La Salle's Amie Provido.
Alleiah Malaluan and Justine Jazareno round out the additions.
Dawn Catindig, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alas reserve Leila Cruz will be returning for another tour duty.
Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Julia Coronel, Alyssa Solomon, and Jen Nierva, who played crucial roles in the AVC Nations Cup, will not be part of the squad this time around.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
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