Tots Alas out for Alas Pilipinas, says coach Jorge de Brito

By: Lance Agcaoili – 48 seconds ago

See you Carlos.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Tots Carlos will not play for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup on why the Creamline star will skip the national team’s upcoming campaign. Coach Jorge Souza De Brito said Rebisco, its parent company, will provide the details.

“(She) is playing well. She has always been the one we asked for us for the national team. But right now she’s not here. Rebisco will release something (about the development) soon. What we expect is that we bring guys who are very good at the same time,” De Brito told reporters after watching Brazil’s match against France in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Mall of Asia Arena in his home country on Sunday.

Carlos was added to the Alas Pilipinas pool after winning bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup last month. However, only Bella Belen, Jema Galanza and Alyssa Solomon joined the team’s build for the VNL qualifier.

READ: Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza added to Alas Pilipinas pool

“It is always difficult, but we are ready to go against Vietnam,” De Brito said. “Because we have more time, we can now prepare better. Expectations should always be high, so we have to work very hard and not just stand around waiting for the boys to repeat the performance (in the Challenge Cup).

Unfortunately, Challenge Cup champions Vietnam will fight in a knockout match at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday at 6:30 PM in an attempt to advance to the semi-finals.

De Brito believes in the team chemistry of the new signings with Best Setter and captain Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino, as well as Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Jennifer Nierva, Arah Panique, Julia Coronel and Vanie Gandler keep getting better.

READ: Tots Carlos grateful for the opportunity to learn during the tryout in Korea

“They are much better now. It wasn’t lucky at the time (in the AVC Challenge Cup) but the preparation time is short. I have more (preparation) so that we can offer each other and ourselves much more. I think this is the way we should do it and expect it from this team,” said the Brazilian coach, who received his contract extension until next year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Carlos, a three-time PVL MVP, last played for the national team at the past two SEA Games.