After securing a historic berth through the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s U16 Championship, the Philippine squad departed from Sydney for Santiago, Chile, where it will make its long-awaited debut in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship from August 6 to 16.
Their first assignment, however, leaves little room for easing into the tournament. The Alas Girls will open their Pool B campaign against defending champion China on Thursday, August 6, at 8:00 a.m. (Philippine time), before taking on Mexico, Tunisia, Peru, and Venezuela in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
For University of Santo Tomas standout Megan Yesha Hernandez, the opportunity to compete against the world’s best makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
“Kahit sobra na yung pagod, mayroong kakalabasan na maganda. Kahit pagod na pagod, sulit pa rin yun kasi malaki naman po yung makukuha naming blessings,” Hernandez said.
Despite facing volleyball nations with far more international experience, the young Filipinas are approaching the tournament with confidence, believing that preparation and teamwork can bridge the gap.
“Pare-parehas lang po kami nagte-training at magkaka-age lang kami, so dapat huwag kami matakot at ipakita lang namin kung ano pong meron sa team,” she said.
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Assistant coach Oliver Balse echoed that belief, saying the team’s technical ability gives it a chance to compete, even against opponents with a physical advantage.
“Sa age-group, kahit ibang lahi, pare-pareho pa. Merong taller players of course, but skills makakatapat tayo sa kanila,” Balse said.
The Philippines enters the tournament with growing confidence after a remarkable campaign in the AVC Women’s U16 Championship in Amman last November, where victories over Iran, Hong Kong, and Japan propelled the country to No. 25 in the FIVB world rankings.
Setter Resty Jane Olaguir of Ateneo hopes the team can continue that upward trajectory on the sport’s biggest youth stage.
“Gagawin namin ang best namin para maitaas po yung place natin sa FIVB world rankings,” Olaguir said.
The 24-team tournament is divided into four pools. Host Chile headlines Pool A, while Pool C features Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, Japan, and Poland. Pool D consists of Italy, South Korea, Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei.
Regardless of the results, the tournament represents a landmark moment for Philippine volleyball. As the country will compete in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship for the first time, giving a new generation of Filipina athletes the opportunity to measure themselves against the world’s elite.
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