ALAS PILIPINAS eyes a strong start in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup as it battles returning Mongolia on Saturday in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Angel Canino and Jia de Guzman lead the way as the Philippines looks to improve on its bronze medal finish in the rebranded annual tournament.

World No. 52 Alas Pilipinas also gets some added firepower with three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines MVP and consensus Premier Volleyball League top draft pick Bella Belen as well as UAAP Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura.

Japan V.League player Morado-de Guzman, adjudged Best Setter in last year’s AVC Women’s Challenge Cup when the Philippines earned its first medal in continental competition in 63 years, is back to orchestrate the plays for Alas Pilipinas.

Focus will also be on Canino, last year’s Best Opposite Hitter awardee, who is now back to her natural position of outside hitter of the team fielded by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Ever-reliable Eya Laure and Vanie Gandler also provide a boost even as Alas Pilipinas misses the services of Sisi Rondina, who rejoined the Philippine national beach volleyball team earlier this year.

Cla Loresco makes her Alas Pilipinas debut as she joins fellow opposite hitter Alyssa Solomon, while middle blockers Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma and Dell Palomata provide a formidable net defense.

Julia Coronel, who has proven her worth with Alas Pilipinas when Morado is overseas, is also back along with decorated liberos Dawn Catindig and Jen Nierva.

The Philippines takes on Mongolia at 4 p.m.

Mongolia did not participate in last year’s event at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Alas Pilipinas battles Indonesia on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. before getting a break on Monday.

The Filipinas clash with Iran at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, New Zealand at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Kazakhstan at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Three-peat seeking Vietnam is in the other pool with Australia, India, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.