Inititally dealing with an injury, Jema Galanza is now back to her outside hitter role, while middle blocker Cherry Nunag will play secondary libero for Alas Pilipinas.
Creamline Cool Smashers star Jema Galanza, who was originally slated as a libero for Alas Pilipinas, has been reverted to her original role as an outside spiker for the FIVB Challenger Cup, which will be held from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Two days before their crucial match against 2024 AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito confirmed that Galanza would no longer play libero after she sustained a minor foot injury during training.
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De Brito likewise confirmed that Choco Mucho Flying Titans middle blocker Cherry Nunag has been reassigned to the libero position.
“[It is] situational [but] true! For this match [against Vietnam]," De Brito told One Sports.
"More options against Vietnam. We lost two key players. We [are] trying to minimize [adjustments in] our system. In fact, Cherry is helping a lot the team as a libero."
These adjustments have already been reflected on the Challenger Cup's official website.
Alas will begin their campaign against Vietnam on July 5, hoping to advance to the next knockout stage. The tournament's champion will earn qualification for the Women's Volleyball Nations League next year.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)