Alas women continue build-up for Asian Games

MANILA, Philippines — Spearheaded by Capital1 stars Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, Alas Pilipinas has now practiced for the third straight day as it sails out for this September’s 20th Asian Games in Aichi, Japan.

Also showing up for practice as early as the first day were PLDT’s Dell Palomata, ZUS Coffee’s Thea Gagate, Akari’s Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno, Choco Mucho’s Eya Laure and Dawn Catindig, and Creamline’s Jen Nierva and Jia de Guzman.

Strong Group of Athletics’ Nina Ytang and Alyssa Solomon, and National University’s Arah Panique, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh and Vange Alinsug were also present.

Expected to join the preparation are Nxled’s Gel Cayuna, Akari’s Fifi Sharma, La Salle’s Angel Canino and Amie Provido and PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan.

Adamson’s Shaina Nitura is part of the pool but is still recovering from surgery.

The Nationals are coached by Japanese Taka Minowa.

Leading up to Aichi, Alas will see action in the 6th Southeast Asia V Cup Week 1 from July 31 to August 2 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, and Week 2 from August 7-9 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The squad is under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The Asiad is set from September 19-October 4.