After Alyssa Valdez, Risa Sato also out for Philippines in AVC Cup

The Philippine national women's volleyball team has hit another snag after Risa Sato was ruled out of the country's campaign in the 2022 AVC Cup slated from August 21 to 29 here.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Saturday announced that Sato will miss the tournament due to health issues and will instead be replaced by Lorie Bernardo.

"We have setbacks because of health issues, but we are very positive," said newly-designated team captain Michele Gumabao.

"We look forward in playing tomorrow.  We are one team, one professional team. I think we are already jelled and know each other. That's one of our greatest advantage in the tournament."

Sato is the latest player to beg off from the team after veteran Alyssa Valdez, who will miss the action due to dengue. The Creamline skipper was replaced by Rizza Mandapat, who is among the key bench players for the Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League.

With Valdez and Sato gone, the Filipinas will rely on starters Jia de Guzman, Tots Carlos, Ced Domingo, Jema Galanza, Jeanette Panaga, and Gumabao.

The hosts will take on Vietnam in the opener on Sunday before clashing with China on Tuesday, Iran on Wednesday, and South Korea on Thursday.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News