Alas Pilipinas Girls received a tough welcome in their first-ever match at the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship after defending champion China imposed its class in a straight-set victory on Friday in San Felipe, Chile.
China opened its title defense with a commanding 25-18, 25-15, 25-13 victory in Pool B to improve to a 1-0 record, while the young Filipinas dropped their tournament opener.
Despite facing one of the world’s strongest youth volleyball programs, the Philippines showed flashes of promise behind the offensive efforts of Caera Celis, who finished with a team-high 13 points built on 12 attacks and one ace.
The Filipinas displayed their best stretch of volleyball midway through the second set wherein Celis delivered a kill before Jhaynna Bulandres fired an ace to give Alas an 8-7 lead, briefly putting the defending champions on the back foot.
China, however, quickly regained control and turned a close contest into a 21-15 advantage through its superior net defense and consistent attack.
Alas refused to go away quietly as the Filipinas answered with five consecutive points, fueled by timely attacks from Celis and back-to-back service aces from Bulandres, but China responded immediately to close out the second frame and move within a set of victory.
The reigning world champions left little doubt in the third set, racing to a 20-9 lead before completing the sweep to begin their campaign on a winning note.
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JUST IN: Reigning champions
China kicked off their 2026 FIVB Girls’ U17 Volleyball World Championship campaign with a straight-sets victory over
Alas Pilipinas, 25–18, 25–21, 25–13.#GU17WCH #volleyball #AlasPilipinas #中国女排
Volleyball World pic.twitter.com/Eswy3SEcb7
— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) August 7, 2026
Aside from Celis, Xyz Rayco contributed seven points, while Bulandres added five. Princess Khaira Manzano and Madele Gale chipped in four markers each for the Philippine side.
China leaned on a balanced attack led by Chen Ruihan, who scored 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks. Ren Sichen added 11 markers, while Zhao Yuhan and Zhang Yijia finished with nine points apiece.
There is still plenty to play for in Pool B despite the opening setback. Under the tournament format, all six teams play a single round-robin, with the top four advancing, giving Alas Pilipinas opportunities to recover over its remaining preliminary matches.
The young Filipinas will have little time to dwell on the loss as they return to action against Mexico on Saturday morning (Philippine time), looking to secure their first victory in the prestigious youth world championship.
Mexico joins the Philippines in a challenging Pool B that also features China, Peru, Venezuela, and Tunisia.
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