Ohmer Bautista
Friday, May 17, 2024
Arah Panique will serve as the replacement for the injured Casiey Dongallo for Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
Arah Panique has been called up for Alas Pilipinas. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Arah Panique of National University received a last-minute call up to the Alas Pilipinas as a replacement for the injured Casiey Dongallo.
Dongallo, who had standout rookie stint for the UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86, suffered a “fractured bone on her right wrist” on Thursday, May 16. For this reason, Dongallo is set to miss the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup, slated to run from May 22 to 29.
Philippine women’s national volleyball team head coach Jorge de Brito said Panique will fill the void left by Dongallo, who showed up in the Alas Pilipinas practice with a cast on her right forearm on Friday.
"The one who will be the replacement for Dongallo will be Arah Panique. She will join us tomorrow for the practice," De Brito told One Sports.
Panique will be the only Lady Bulldog to fly the flag in the upcoming tournament. Season MVP Bella Belen and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon have begged off from national duties to rest and focus on studies after leading NU to the UAAP Season 86 title last Wednesday.
"She played a little bit less than the other guys from NU," De Brito said regarding Panique.
"And of course, she’s a rookie. Like Dongallo, she [does not have a lot of academic responsibilities unlike other players]. She can join us."
Panique will join the 14-woman tricolor squad, bannered by Denso Airybees and Creamline setter Jia De Guzman, Choco Mucho's Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag, Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva, Cignal's Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, Akari's Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos, as well as La Salle’s Angel Canino, Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel.