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Tag: Alas Pilipinas Girls

  • Alas Pilipinas Girls make history despite Round of 16 exit after loss to unbeaten South Korea

    Alas Pilipinas Girls make history despite Round of 16 exit after loss to unbeaten South Korea

    The result may have ended Alas Pilipinas Girls’ championship dream, but it could not erase what the young Filipinas had already accomplished in Chile.

    The Philippines bowed to South Korea, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14, in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship on Thursday at Liceo Mixto Los Andes.

    For a team that arrived in Chile simply hoping to make an impression, the defeat now feels like only a footnote.

    By reaching the Round of 16, Alas has guaranteed itself a finish between ninth and 16th place—the best-ever global placement by a Philippine national volleyball team.

     

    That achievement alone represents a significant leap for a program still building its foundation.

     

    Before this group, the benchmark belonged to the Philippine women’s team that finished 18th at the 1974 World Championship in Mexico. The men’s national team led by Bryan Bagunas finished 19th at last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship, which was hosted by the Philippines.

     

    The young Filipinas have now moved beyond both marks.

     

    And they did it on a stage where they were rarely expected to be among the teams still standing when the knockout rounds arrived.

     

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    The loss to South Korea was certainly a difficult way to see their title hopes end. The Koreans controlled the match from the opening set and never allowed Alas to build the kind of momentum that carried the Philippines through the preliminary round.

     

    But the significance of this campaign goes well beyond Thursday’s scoreline.

     

    Alas has already shown that Philippine youth volleyball can compete on the world stage, withstand the pressure of international competition and reach a knockout round that no previous Philippine team had managed to enter.

     

    There is still more basketball to be played—just not for the championship.

     

    The Philippines will face Japan in the losers’ quarterfinals on Friday at the National Stadium Park in Santiago, with a ninth-place finish still within reach.

     

    For coach Edwin Leyva and his players, three more victories would extend an already historic campaign.

     

    But even if the Filipinas fall short of that mark, their place in Philippine volleyball history is already secure.

     

    They came to Chile carrying a dream.

     

    They will leave having given the next generation something far more tangible: a new standard to chase.

     

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  • Alas Girls fall to Venezuela in five sets, still punch ticket to U17 Worlds round of 16 

    Alas Girls fall to Venezuela in five sets, still punch ticket to U17 Worlds round of 16 

    The Philippines dropped a 19-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-19, 11-15 decision to Venezuela on Wednesday (Philippine time) in San Felipe, Chile, yet the four-set rally was enough to send Alas Girls into the Round of 16 of the FIVB U17 World Championship.

     

    Down 0-2 and seemingly on the brink, the young Filipinos refused to let the match end quietly. Caera Celis and Xyz Rayco spearheaded the turnaround as Alas Girls won the third and fourth sets to force a decider.

     

    Although Venezuela regained control in the fifth, the Philippines had already secured the tiebreak point it needed to move ahead of Mexico for the final Round-of-16 ticket.

     

     

    That result made Alas Girls the first Philippine team to advance to the knockout stage of a volleyball world championship.

     

    The Philippines now faces an even tougher challenge: an unbeaten South Korean side that swept all five of its Pool D matches. The Round of 16 clash is set for Thursday, August 13, in Santiago, Chile.

     

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    Celis once again delivered at the top of the Alas offense, matching her tournament-high with 24 points. She finished with 22 kills and two aces.

     

    Rayco provided the other major offensive spark with 19 points, coming from 17 attacks, one block, and one ace.

     

    Jhaynna Bulandres added eight points, including six attacks and two blocks, while Madele Gale chipped in six points with three blocks.

     

    Irish May Mahinay contributed five points through two blocks and three aces. Sharina Rhyza Lleses added four, while Taj Teves and Khaira Manzano scored two points apiece. Jhenica Sadia completed the scoring with one point.

     

    Meanwhile in Venezuela, Yalesca erupted for a game-high 27 points, with Amanda Pacheco adding 15 and Fabianny Carima producing 14. Antonella Lovera Pacheco also reached double figures with 12 points.

     

    The match was decided by a handful of statistical edges as Venezuela held the advantage at the net, particularly on blocks, where it outscored the Philippines 16-8. The Venezuelans also had the slightest edge in attacks, 58-57, and finished ahead in service aces, 7-6.

     

    Errors, meanwhile, were dead even at 25 apiece wherein the numbers reflected a match in which Alas Girls were never far from Venezuela despite falling behind early. The Philippines found a way to extend the contest and, more importantly, collect the point that kept its world championship journey alive.

     

    Venezuela finished second in Pool B at 3-2, behind unbeaten China. While for Alas Girls, the loss ultimately became a milestone rather than an ending.

     

    Their reward is a place among the world’s best U17 teams—and a meeting with South Korea, the undefeated Pool D champion, in the Round of 16 on Thursday, August 13.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls face crucial Venezuela test after Peru setback 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls face crucial Venezuela test after Peru setback 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls came within touching distance of taking control against Peru, only to watch a promising lead slip away.

     

    The young Filipinas fell to Peru, 28-26, 22-25, 23-25, 20-25, in the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship early Tuesday in Chile, turning what looked like a potential statement victory into a crucial setback in their bid to reach the Round of 16.

     

    The defeat dropped the Philippines to 2-2 in Pool B, while Peru improved to 3-1 and strengthened its position in second place behind unbeaten China, which remained perfect at 4-0. Venezuela also sits at 2-2, keeping the race for the remaining knockout spots wide open.

     

    For Alas, the equation is now straightforward.

     

    The Philippines needs to beat Venezuela on Wednesday at 2 a.m. (Manila time) to keep its Round of 16 hopes alive.

     

    The Filipinas showed early signs that they could pull off another upset after winning the opening set in dramatic fashion.

     

    Down 26-25, middle blocker Cristina Gale answered with a soft touch that caught Peru off guard and forced another deadlock. Caera Celis then put the Philippines at set point before Gale came through again, denying Fernanda Pinto at the net to complete the 28-26 escape.

     

    Peru responded in the second set, however, as the two sides remained within striking distance of each other before an attack error from Xyz Rayco allowed the South Americans to level the match.

    The Philippines appeared to regain control in the third.

     

    Alas built an eight-point advantage at 21-13, with Zoe Koechlin producing a timely block on Pinto to help put the Filipinas in position to reclaim the lead.

     

    Instead, Peru produced the decisive run of the match.

     

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    The South Americans stormed back with a 10-1 surge, flipping the deficit into a 23-22 advantage. Alas managed to stop the run momentarily, but Peru grabbed the next two points to complete the comeback and move ahead 2-1.

     

    The fourth set offered no similar opening for the Philippines.

     

    Peru controlled the frame from the outset and eventually closed out the match when Celis’ final attack from the left wing sailed wide.

     

    Sharina Lleses led Alas with 18 points, while Celis added 17 and Rayco finished with 12.

     

    The result was a frustrating one for a Philippine side that had entered the match with plenty of momentum after consecutive victories over higher-ranked Mexico and Tunisia.

     

    But the tournament is far from over.

     

    With China already sitting comfortably at the top and Peru holding second place, the Philippines now faces a direct battle with Venezuela for a place in the next round.

     

    Both teams own 2-2 records.

     

    One match will decide which side keeps its world championship journey alive.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, PVL On Tour, and Gilas Pilipinas U18 (August 10 – August 16)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, PVL On Tour, and Gilas Pilipinas U18 (August 10 – August 16)

    It will be another busy stretch for Philippine sports, with volleyball and basketball taking center stage across several competitions. The PVL On Tour heads to Lanao del Norte, Alas Pilipinas Girls continue their international campaigns in Chile, Gilas Pilipinas Boys begin their FIBA U18 Asian Championship campaign in Ahmedabad, while the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup rolls on with another set of crucial matchups.

     

    PVL On Tour

     

    Saturday, August 15 – Lanao del Norte

    • 4:00 p.m. – Farm Fresh Foxies vs. NXLED Chameleons
    • 6:30 p.m. – PLDT High Speed Hitters vs. Akari Chargers

     

    Alas Pilipinas Girls

     

    FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship – San Felipe, Chile

    • Monday, August 10 | 5:00 p.m. – Philippines vs. Peru
    • Tuesday, August 11 | 2:00 p.m. – Philippines vs. Venezuela

    FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship – Ahmedabad, India

    • Thursday, August 13 | 4:00 p.m. – Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei
    • Saturday, August 15 | 1:00 p.m. – Philippines vs. Australia

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    Join us this week at Ynares, Antipolo and Smart Araneta Coliseum before we take a break! #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/jTSnBFx4xj

    — PBA (@pbaconnect) August 10, 2026

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup

     

    Tuesday, August 11 – Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 p.m. – Converge FiberXers vs. Terrafirma Dyip
    • 7:30 p.m. – NLEX Road Warriors vs. TNT Tropang 5G

    Wednesday, August 12 – Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 p.m. – Titan Ultra Giant Risers vs. San Miguel Beermen
    • 7:30 p.m. – Magnolia Hotshots vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters

    Friday, August 7 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 p.m. – Converge FiberXers vs. NLEX Road Warriors
    • 7:30 p.m. – Meralco Bolts vs. Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings

    With several national teams and domestic clubs in action, fans have plenty to follow across the week. From the international stage in Chile and India to the local courts and the PVL’s provincial stop, these fixtures offer a packed schedule of Philippine sporting action.

     

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  • Alas Girls keep knockout hopes alive with sweep of Tunisia in FIVB U17 Worlds 

    Alas Girls keep knockout hopes alive with sweep of Tunisia in FIVB U17 Worlds 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls are beginning to look more comfortable on the biggest stage.

     

    With Xyz Ellen Rayco rediscovering her attacking rhythm and Resty Jane Olaguir settling into her role as playmaker, the Philippines moved one step closer to the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship after sweeping Tunisia, 27-25, 25-19, 25-16, on Saturday at Liceo Particular Mixto San Felipe.

     

    The victory improved Alas Pilipinas to 2-1 in Pool B, putting the Philippines in second place behind unbeaten China and keeping its knockout-stage hopes firmly in its hands.

     

    More importantly, the win showed how quickly the young Filipinas are building chemistry when the pressure rises.

     

    Rayco and Olaguir were among the key players who helped the Philippines earn its place in the world championship after their campaign in the Asian Women’s U16 Championship in Jordan last year.

     

    Against Tunisia, that familiarity once again became an advantage.

     

    With Olaguir providing the sets, Rayco found the confidence and openings to attack more freely, producing 13 points on 12 attacks and a block.

     

    “It feels different when she sets me the ball. It feels like I can really kill it,” Rayco said. “Of course, I’ll work hard to be able to play my best whoever I share the court with.”

     

    Rayco’s impact was especially evident in a tense opening set. The 16-year-old delivered two of the Philippines’ final three points to help Alas survive Tunisia and take the early lead.

     

    The performance also represented a personal bounce-back for Rayco, who admitted she had not been satisfied with her first two matches.

     

    “I’m happy because everyone contributed. I’m also happy with my game because I was able to show how I really play. I’m satisfied even though I made mistakes because I was able to bounce back and show who I am as a player,” Rayco said.

     

    “The past two days, I didn’t feel like I was playing the right way. I felt like I played poorly. My teammates said it was fine, but I wasn’t satisfied, so today I really wanted to bounce back. I’ll keep this going.”

     

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    Olaguir, meanwhile, adjusted on the fly after being unexpectedly called upon to help run the offense alongside Irish Mahinay.

     

    The Ateneo setter eventually found her rhythm and helped Alas Pilipinas establish the attacking flow that allowed Rayco and the rest of the hitters to flourish.

     

    “I’m happy I got in and contributed. I think I’m slowly getting back to the way I really play,” Olaguir said.

     

    “There are still a lot of things I need to work on. I hope this continues and that I don’t let my emotions get the better of me.”

     

    While Rayco and Olaguir provided the spark, Caera Celis once again delivered the most consistent scoring output.

     

    Celis led Alas Pilipinas for the third consecutive match, finishing with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks.

     

    Sharina Rhyza Lleses added 10 points, all through attacks, as the Philippines continued its impressive campaign against higher-ranked opposition.

     

    Ranked No. 25 in the world, Alas Pilipinas has already knocked off No. 8 Mexico and No. 20 Tunisia in consecutive matches, proving that the young Filipinas are capable of competing well beyond their ranking.

     

    The Philippines now gets a short break before returning to action Monday against world No. 6 Peru.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will then close out pool play Tuesday against No. 12 Venezuela.

     

    With a 2-1 record already in hand, the Filipinas are within touching distance of the knockout stage.

     

    And if their latest performance is any indication, the Philippines is entering the most important part of the tournament with its confidence — and chemistry — growing at exactly the right time.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls stumble against defending champion China in U17 World Championship debut

    Alas Pilipinas Girls stumble against defending champion China in U17 World Championship debut

    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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    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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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls open historic FIVB U17 World Championship bid against China 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls open historic FIVB U17 World Championship bid against China 

    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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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls count on chemistry as they head to FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls count on chemistry as they head to FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Before the first serve is even played, Alas Pilipinas Girls already face their first major test.

     

    It won’t come against volleyball powerhouse China or any of the world’s best young teams.

     

    Instead, it begins with a demanding 32-hour journey from Manila to Chile as the Filipinas travel halfway around the globe for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.

     

    The lengthy trip presents an early challenge in managing fatigue, adjusting to a new time zone, and recovering quickly before the tournament opens on August 6.

     

    Yet for head coach Edwin Leyva, the long hours in transit offer something just as valuable as recovery—time together.

     

    “Hopefully with the long flight medyo makabawi-bawi sa bonding yung players,” Leyva said. “We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for this, but we did our best in the short time we had, and I believe in this team. We have good players, and we are confident we can do better than our last tournament.”

     

    Leading the Philippine delegation are University of Santo Tomas standout Megan Yesha Hernandez, National University’s Xyz Ellen Rayco, King’s Montessori School’s Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Bacolod Tay Tung’s Cristina Madela Gale, and Caera Celis of St. John’s Institute Bacolod City.

     

    The roster reflects the country’s brightest young volleyball talents drawn from some of the nation’s top high school programs.

     

    Joining them are Ateneo standouts Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia, UST’s Taj Arkhea Teves, Nadeth Faye Herbon of Leyte National High School, and Jello Andrea Mauricio of San Felipe Neri Catholic School.

     

    National University also contributes Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Irish May Mahinay, Princess Khaira Manzano, and Frances Dianne Ramos, giving the squad a strong core heading into the biggest tournament of their young careers.

     

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    The Philippines earned its place in the 24-team world championship after finishing fifth in the AVC U16 Women’s Championship under Leyva, securing one of Asia’s qualifying spots.

     

    Now, the Filipinas will test themselves against some of the strongest youth programs in international volleyball.

     

    Ranked No. 25 in the world, Alas Pilipinas was drawn into a difficult Pool B alongside world No. 1 China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela.

     

    Host Chile headlines Pool A together with Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Türkiye, and the United States.

    World No. 2 Japan leads Pool C featuring Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, and Poland, while third-ranked Italy anchors Pool D with Korea, Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei.

     

    Despite the daunting field, Leyva remains optimistic about what his team can accomplish and hopes Filipinos back home will rally behind the young squad.

     

    “We hope the country would support us, pray for us,” Leyva said. “Kami naman we’ll give our best and put up a good fight for the country.”

     

    The road to the world stage has already required one marathon journey.

     

    The next challenge begins once Alas Pilipinas Girls finally steps onto the court in Chile.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls eye breakthrough at FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls eye breakthrough at FIVB U17 World Championship 

    The Alas Pilipinas Girls will compete in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship from August 6 to 16 in Santiago, Chile, becoming the first Philippine volleyball team to qualify outright for an FIVB World Championship without hosting the event. 


    The Alas Pilipinas men competed in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship as hosts, while the women’s team is set to host in 2029.

     

    The Philippines begins its Pool B campaign against defending champion China on August 6 before taking on Mexico on August 7, Tunisia on August 8, Peru on August 10, and Venezuela on August 11.

     

    Much of the roster that secured the country’s historic qualification by finishing fifth in last year’s AVC U16 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan remains intact. 

     

    U16 holdovers Nadeth Herbon, Resty Jane Olaguir, Megan Hernandez, Jhenica Sadia, Madele Gale, and Frances Ramos return alongside newcomers Caera Celis, Irish Mahinay, Jhaynna Bulandres, Sharina Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Taj Arkhea Teves, and Andrea Mauricio.

     

    Leading the group is National University Nazareth School standout Xyz Rayco, who emerged as the team’s leading scorer during its memorable campaign in Jordan. 

     

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    Heading into her first World Championship, the young hitter believes the team’s familiarity with one another will be one of its biggest strengths.

     

    “It’s a big advantage that we’ll be representing the country together again. Because we already know each other’s game, that familiarity will really help us perform better as a team,” she said.

     

    Rayco added that while the squad had only a limited preparation period, the players have continued to improve with every training session despite coming from different schools.

     

    She also shared that the squad has made steady progress in training, with each player embracing their role. Although the team is still building chemistry after coming from different schools, she believes their teamwork has improved noticeably on and off the court. 

     

    “I believe we’re all ready to represent the Philippines at the World Championship,” the 15-year-old said.

     

    Limited preparation has not changed the team’s mindset. Instead, Rayco and her squad view the tournament as a chance to show that their qualification was no fluke and that the Philippines can compete against the world’s best at the youth level. 

     

    Still, the team hopes to build on the confidence gained from its fifth-place finish in the AVC U16 Women’s Volleyball Championship and show that it belongs on the global stage.

     

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