UAAP MVP Adds Firepower to Alas Pilipinas Women Roster
Shaina Nitura has joined the Alas Pilipinas Women roster for the Asian Games, replacing veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig. The reigning UAAP Season 88 MVP adds another attacking option as the Philippines prepares for China and Kazakhstan.
Nitura Completes Alas Pilipinas Final 12
John Mark Garcia of SPIN.ph initially detailed Nitura’s late roster push after her name appeared on an updated Philippine delegation list. Subsequent coverage confirmed organizers approved the substitution, clearing Nitura to replace Macandili-Catindig in the Philippines’ Final 12.
Nitura traveled with Alas Pilipinas to Japan after recovering sufficiently to return following an injury that interrupted her national-team schedule. Her addition gives Taka Minowa another wing attacker while significantly changing the positional construction of his tournament roster.
Image from: SPIN.ph
Asian Games Approval Finalizes Late Roster Change
The approved substitution moves Nitura from a possible late addition into the Philippines’ official Asian Games lineup. Macandili-Catindig’s removal also leaves Justine Jazareno as the only designated libero among the 12 players currently listed.
Nitura Addition Reshapes Alas Lineup
Nitura joins Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and Eya Laure among the Philippines’ available outside-hitting options for the tournament. Alyssa Solomon provides another major attacking presence from the opposite position, giving Minowa several combinations across the front row.
The trade-off comes defensively because replacing an experienced libero with another attacker reduces specialized depth behind Jazareno in the backcourt. Alas will consequently need dependable reception and floor-defense contributions from its wing players whenever rotations place additional pressure on first contact.
Libero Depth Becomes Major Tactical Consideration
- Justine Jazareno: Remains the lone designated libero on the Philippines’ Final 12 roster.
- Shaina Nitura: Adds another high-volume outside hitter following her approved inclusion.
- Bella Belen: Provides another six-rotation option capable of contributing in attack and reception.
- Angel Canino: Gives Alas additional attacking versatility across different front-row combinations.
- Eya Laure: Adds international experience and another established scoring option on the wing.
Injury Delayed Nitura’s National-Team Return
Nitura’s Asian Games availability became uncertain after an injury interrupted her preparations and kept her from recent national-team competition. Earlier reporting had indicated she would miss the tournament following surgery, before her recovery eventually reopened the possibility of joining Alas.
Her return now gives the Philippines another attacker capable of handling difficult sets when rallies move outside the preferred offensive system. That skill could become valuable when strong serving opponents disrupt first contact and force setter Jia De Guzman away from ideal combinations.
“Yung injuries naman, very minor naman siya. As of now, recovering ako and soon, I’ll be back,” Nitura told SPIN.ph in August.
UAAP MVP Brings Another High-Ball Scoring Option
Nitura enters the Asian Games as the reigning UAAP Season 88 Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Spiker. Her collegiate production established her as a prominent young attacker before injury interrupted portions of her national-team schedule.
Late Changes Continue Reshaping Alas Roster
Nitura’s inclusion follows another late adjustment involving Niña Ytang, who replaced Erika Santos before the tournament began. Those changes give Minowa a different Final 12 from earlier roster projections while requiring rapid adjustments before continental competition.
De Guzman’s setting experience becomes particularly valuable because lineup changes can affect attacking timing, transition responsibilities, and rotation familiarity. Limited preparation increases the importance of clear communication as Alas integrates different combinations against opponents presenting contrasting tactical challenges.
Alas Pilipinas Women’s Final 12
- Jia De Guzman
- Mars Alba
- Justine Jazareno
- Bella Belen
- Eya Laure
- Angel Canino
- Shaina Nitura
- Alyssa Solomon
- Thea Gagate
- Dell Palomata
- Amie Provido
- Niña Ytang
Recommended Article: Espejo, Bagunas Reunite for Alas Pilipinas Asian Games Run
China and Kazakhstan Await Alas Pilipinas
The Philippines returns to Asian Games women’s volleyball for the first time since its appearance at Jakarta 2018. Alas begins against defending champion China before completing Pool B competition against Kazakhstan during a demanding two-match preliminary schedule.
China enters as the defending champion and nine-time Asian Games gold medalist, presenting an immediate test for Philippine reception. Kazakhstan follows in the second pool assignment, with the top two teams advancing from the three-team group into the quarterfinals.
First Contact Becomes Critical Against Asian Opposition
- Protect reception: Stable first contact gives De Guzman more opportunities to involve middle attackers and diversify the Philippine offense.
- Support Jazareno: Outside hitters must contribute consistently defensively with only one designated libero appearing on the Final 12.
- Use wing depth: Belen, Canino, Laure, and Nitura give Minowa several attacking combinations against different blocking matchups.
- Limit extended scoring runs: Strong serving opponents can quickly create separation whenever Philippine reception loses structure.
- Maintain transition discipline: Converting defensive touches into organized attacks becomes essential against physically imposing continental opponents.
Analytical Breakdown: Chemistry will be the Key
A potential Shaina Nitura inclusion would strengthen Alas Pilipinas’ attacking depth, but it also introduces an important tactical trade-off before the Asian Games begin. While her scoring ability provides another reliable wing option, the possible loss of Dawn Macandili-Catindig would reduce the team’s defensive experience and place greater responsibility on the remaining backcourt rotation.
Late roster adjustments are often challenging because international tournaments leave little time to rebuild chemistry and communication. If the proposed change receives final approval, Alas Pilipinas will need its outside hitters to contribute consistently in both reception and attack while relying on veteran leadership to maintain stability against elite Asian opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shaina Nitura officially on the Asian Games roster?
Yes, Nitura replaced Dawn Macandili-Catindig and is listed in the Alas Pilipinas Women’s Final 12 for Aichi-Nagoya.
Who did Shaina Nitura replace on Alas Pilipinas?
Nitura replaced veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig as part of a late adjustment to the Philippine women’s roster.
Why was Shaina Nitura initially expected to miss the Asian Games?
Nitura’s participation became uncertain after an injury and surgery interrupted her preparation before she recovered sufficiently to rejoin Alas.
Who are the Alas Pilipinas outside hitters?
Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Eya Laure, and Shaina Nitura provide the Philippines with several available options on the wing.
Who will Alas Pilipinas face in the Asian Games?
Alas Pilipinas faces defending champion China and Kazakhstan during the three-team Pool B preliminary round in Aichi-Nagoya.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.
