Nitura joining Asiad roster

Decorated winger Shaina Nitura has been included in the Alas Pilipinas women’s squad roster bound for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

The Adamson University star replaced veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig after the Asiad organizers approved the lineup change, according to the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Shaina is in, but Dawn will still fly with the team to Japan,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation vice president Atty. Donn Rico Kapunan told DAILY TRIBUNE on Saturday.

Teams may switch players as long as the replacements are on the entry-by-name list before the official competition starts on 16 September.

Alas is returning to the Asiad after skipping the pandemic-delayed Hangzhou edition three years ago.

Nitura’s inclusion adds depth to the Taka Minowa-mentored Gilas’ wing spot as she joins a crack crew of experienced open spikers Bella Belen, Angel Canino and Eya Laure and opposite hitter Alyssa Solomon.

The 21-year-old reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player will return for another tour of duty after months of being sidelined with a left foot injury.

Nitura, who missed Alas’ campaign in the Southeast Asian V.Cup this year, has been a vital cog in Alas’ successful international stints last year.

She was part of the squad that won a historic silver medal in the 2025 Asian Nations Cup in Hanoi and back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA V.Cup.

Bannering the Asiad squad is team captain and main setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, alongside backup playmaker Mars Alba, middle blockers Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, Nina Ytang, Amie Provido and libero Justine Jazareno.

Catindig was part of the national team that finished eighth in the Jakarta edition of the quadrennial meet back in 2018.

Alas begins its campaign against defending champion China on 16 September before wrapping up its Pool B schedule against Kazakhstan the following day.