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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • 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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  • Jia De Guzman reflects on Alas Pilipinas’ historic silver-medal run in SEA Volleyball Cup 

    Jia De Guzman reflects on Alas Pilipinas’ historic silver-medal run in SEA Volleyball Cup 

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team capped a challenging stretch with a historic silver-medal finish in the recently concluded 6th Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup, giving Alas Pilipinas another reason to believe that its rebuilding process is heading in the right direction.

     

    Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman reflected on the team’s journey in a heartfelt Instagram post, emphasizing that the silver medal was the product of patience, adversity and the lessons they learned along the way.

     

    The achievement came during a turbulent period for Philippine volleyball, with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) facing a suspension from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and significant leadership upheaval surrounding the national program.

     

     

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    Alas Pilipinas had also endured a difficult opening leg, where the team struggled to find its rhythm and failed to secure a podium finish. Rather than viewing that setback as a failure, however, De Guzman believes the difficult moments ultimately played an important role in the team’s development.

     

    “Our only ask was simple: leave everything on the floor, no matter the result. To give ourselves the patience and grace to grow into the players and the team we are capable of becoming,” De Guzman wrote.

     

    “So the struggle we went through in the first leg? All of it was necessary. The losses, the mistakes, the moments where things didn’t click—it was all part of becoming a better team. We needed those experiences to learn, build chemistry, and understand what we are capable of,” she added.

     

    The veteran setter stressed that development cannot happen overnight, particularly for a national team still trying to establish its identity and build chemistry amid a constantly changing volleyball landscape.

     

    For De Guzman, the silver medal serves as tangible proof that the Philippines can make significant strides when given the time and opportunity to learn from its mistakes.

    “Every strong team in the world was once given the space to make mistakes, experience losses, and learn from them. We are no different,” she said.

     

    “This silver is a beautiful reminder that growth takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace every part of the journey. So proud of how far we have come, and even more excited for how much more we can become.”

     

    De Guzman also took the opportunity to recognize her teammates and the supporters who continued to stand behind Alas Pilipinas throughout its difficult campaign.

     

    “Thank you to every member of this team for all your hard work and dedication. Also to everyone out there who has given us unconditional love and support. Step by step, Philippines. On to the next,” she wrote.

     

    The 31-year-old setter has been one of the more vocal figures calling for changes and reforms within Philippine volleyball amid the controversies surrounding the sport’s national governing body.

     

    De Guzman was also absent from the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup in June, where Alas Pilipinas struggled to make an impact and settled for an eighth-place finish under the leadership of Alyssa Valdez.

     

    Despite the challenges surrounding the program, the SEA Volleyball Cup campaign offered a much-needed positive development for the Philippine women’s team.

     

    The historic silver medal not only marked a significant improvement from their previous showing but also provided the players with confidence heading into their next international assignments.

     

    For De Guzman, the result is less about the medal itself and more about what it represents: a team willing to embrace setbacks, learn from adversity and continue building toward its potential.

     

    With the Philippine women’s volleyball program still navigating a period of transition, Alas Pilipinas’ silver-medal run could prove to be an important step in its long-term development.

    And as De Guzman put it, the journey is only beginning.

     

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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 achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work”: Taka Minowa on Alas Women’s SEA V.Cup silver finish 

    “This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work”: Taka Minowa on Alas Women’s SEA V.Cup silver finish 

    Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Taka Minowa viewed the breakthrough at the 2026 SEA V.Cup Leg 2 as the payoff from years of work beyond the national team setup, crediting the players, coaches, and mother clubs that have continued to raise the level of Philippine women’s volleyball.

     

    The silver-medal finish carried extra weight after the Philippines finally ended its seven-year drought against Vietnam and followed it up with a victory over Indonesia in its final match to secure second place.

      

    For Minowa, however, the story goes beyond those two results.

     

    “I believe this moment is not only about the players who are with us in the national team pool. It is the result of the hard work of so many players, coaches, and clubs who have continued to develop and make Philippine volleyball more competitive over the years,” the Japanese mentor said.

     

    It was a particularly significant achievement for Minowa, who had only recently taken charge of Alas Pilipinas. Appointed in June, the 34-year-old coach had little time to impose his system or build chemistry before being thrust into his first major assignment with the national women’s team.

     

    Rather than treating the limited preparation as an excuse, Minowa and his players quickly put together a competitive campaign. 

     

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    After going without a podium finish in Leg 1 in Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas responded in Thailand by beating Vietnam and Indonesia and claiming the silver medal.

     

    “I hope everyone can be proud of the players and coaches who gave their time, effort, and heart to this team,” he said.

     

    “This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work, and I’m very grateful to be part of this journey with all of you.”

     

    The breakthrough was also reflected in the individual performances of the Alas Pilipinas players. Alyssa Solomon was named Best Opposite Spiker in both Leg 1 and Leg 2, while Eya Laure earned a place among the Best Outside Spikers in Leg 2.

     

    The challenge now gets significantly bigger as Minowa will continue to lead the national team into the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where Alas Pilipinas has been drawn into Group B with reigning champion China and Kazakhstan.

     

    The Philippines will be looking to improve on its previous Asian Games finishes, having placed fourth in both the 1962 and 1966 editions.

     

    For a team that just broke through against Vietnam and reached the SEA V.Cup podium, the next assignment offers an opportunity to prove that the silver medal was not simply a one-off breakthrough—but another step in the Philippines’ long-term climb toward becoming a more competitive force in Asian volleyball.

     

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  • Bella Belen helps Alas Pilipinas add another chapter to Philippine volleyball history

    Bella Belen helps Alas Pilipinas add another chapter to Philippine volleyball history

    Bella Belen has become increasingly familiar with moments when Philippine volleyball history is waiting to be rewritten.

     

    On Sunday, she found herself at the center of another one.

     

    Belen delivered 17 points as Alas Pilipinas Women outlasted Indonesia, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, to secure the Philippines’ first-ever silver medal in the seven-year, 11-leg history of the SEA V.Cup.

     

    More importantly, the Filipinas did not have to leave their fate to another match.

     

    With the silver medal within reach, Alas Women took control of the situation themselves, closing out Indonesia in a fourth-set thriller that featured eight deadlocks and seven Indonesian set points.

     

    “We really prepared for this game because we had a chance to get the silver medal, and I believe in the team, and I know that we can win this game, and I’m so happy that we won this game,” Belen said.

     

    The achievement marked a remarkable turnaround for Belen individually.

     

    She was held to just two points when the Philippines opened its Leg 2 campaign with a loss to Thailand, but quickly rediscovered her rhythm with 16 points in the four-set victory over Vietnam.

    By the time Indonesia stood between Alas Women and the silver medal, Belen was once again ready to play a major role.

     

    The opponent also made the occasion more significant.

     

    Indonesia had previously denied the Philippines a bronze medal in both the opening leg of the SEA V.Cup and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. This time, however, Alas Women had a chance to reverse that trend on the biggest possible stage.

     

    After taking a 2-1 advantage, the Filipinas found themselves within touching distance of history.

     

    “We knew that Indonesia would play better against us because we lost the last leg. We had a chance. We already won two sets. It was up to us to finish the game early,” she said.

     

    Indonesia, however, refused to surrender.

     

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    The fourth set became a test of patience and composure as both teams repeatedly traded momentum. Alas survived seven set points before finally breaking through at 33-31, turning what could have been another painful chapter against Indonesia into the biggest achievement yet in the tournament.

     

    For Belen, the moment carried a familiar feeling.

     

    The National University standout has already experienced what it means to be part of historic achievements during her collegiate career. Now, she has added another milestone to that résumé with the national team.

     

    This time, the accomplishment was bigger than an individual record.

     

    It helped push Philippine women’s volleyball beyond its previous SEA V.Cup ceiling of six bronze medals and four fourth-place finishes.

     

    And Belen made sure the team understood what the moment meant.

     

    “I believe in the team, and I’m very happy. I hope the Philippines is proud of us,” she said.

    After years of settling for bronze or falling just short of the podium, Alas Pilipinas Women finally moved one step higher.

     

    Belen, fittingly, was there to help lead the way.

     

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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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  • Bella Belen hopes “the Philippines is proud of us” after Alas Women claim historic SEA V. Cup silver 

    Bella Belen hopes “the Philippines is proud of us” after Alas Women claim historic SEA V. Cup silver 

    Bella Belen helped turn Alas Pilipinas Women’s SEA V Cup disappointment into a historic breakthrough.

     

    After going winless in the opening leg, Belen and the Filipinas found their response in Chiang Mai, Thailand, holding their nerve through a dramatic fourth-set finish to defeat Indonesia, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, on Sunday and secure the Philippines’ first silver medal in any division of the SEA V Cup.

     

    Belen was at the heart of the turnaround, delivering 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks as Alas survived a fourth set that seemed determined to slip away from them.

     

    The Philippines needed three match points to finally close out the contest while Indonesia fought off seven set points. With the score deep into deuce, Alas continued to find answers until an Indonesian attack sailed out, triggering the celebration on the Philippine side.

     

    For Belen, the victory carried extra meaning after the team’s frustrating showing in Leg 1, where Indonesia handed the Filipinas a four-set defeat.

     

    “We know that Indonesia will play better against us because we lost last game [against them]. So, we had a chance, we won two sets, so it’s up to us if we finish the game early. And I believe in the team, and I’m very happy,” Belen said during the post-match interview.

     

    “And I hope the Philippines is proud of us.”

     

    The young star was not the only one who delivered in the comeback. Alyssa Solomon led all scorers for Alas with 19 points, while Eya Laure also finished with 17 as the Philippines repeatedly found ways to answer Indonesia’s late rallies.

     

    But beyond the numbers, Belen felt the energy inside Chiang Mai Stadium helped push Alas through one of the most important finishes in the program’s recent history.

     

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    “I really love the Thai fans because it feels like we’re playing in the Philippines. They always cheer for us, and they’re very welcoming,” Belen said.

     

    The silver medal also provided an encouraging early result for head coach Taka Minowa, who had only 15 days to prepare the team before the two-leg SEA V Cup campaign.

     

    For Minowa, the turnaround from a winless first leg to a historic silver finish showed that Alas still has plenty of room to grow.

     

    “We just trained for 15 days and came to Vietnam and Thailand [for both legs]. For sure, we’re just starting the program and we have a lot of opportunities, a lot of space to improve [after] this game,” he said.

     

    For Belen and Alas Pilipinas Women, the medal represents more than a consolation prize. It is the product of a team that absorbed a setback, returned with renewed belief and delivered when the pressure was at its highest.

     

    The first leg may have exposed the team’s growing pains. In Chiang Mai, Belen and the Filipinas showed just how quickly they can learn from them.

     

     

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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 Women turn first-leg frustration into historic SEA V Cup silver 

    Alas Women turn first-leg frustration into historic SEA V Cup silver 

    A week after watching their medal streak disappear, Alas Pilipinas Women found the response they were looking for.

     

    The Philippines closed the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup on a high note Sunday, surviving Indonesia in a marathon fourth set to win, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, and claim the country’s first silver medal in the regional tournament at Chiang Mai Stadium in Thailand.

     

    It was a dramatically different finish from the Philippines’ opening-leg campaign, where Alas went winless and suffered a four-set loss to Indonesia that ended their four-year run of bronze medals.

    This time, the Filipinas refused to let another opportunity slip away.

     

    Indonesia appeared ready to force a deciding fifth set after taking a 24-22 lead in the fourth, but Alas repeatedly found answers whenever the pressure reached its peak.

     

    Bella Belen delivered a crucial attack to keep the Philippines alive before Fifi Sharma’s block on Ersandrina Devega forced the set into deuce.

     

    The teams continued trading blows deep into the set, with Indonesia repeatedly reaching set point. But Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure, Belen and Sharma kept responding, turning what could have been another painful collapse into one of the biggest wins of the tournament.

     

    With the score tied at 31-all, Solomon unloaded a powerful cross-court attack to keep Alas alive.

     

    Sharma then came up with another vital block against Devega before the Indonesian hitter sent her next attempt out of bounds, finally ending the marathon and securing the historic silver for the Philippines.

     

    The result also gave Alas a measure of revenge against the same Indonesia side that defeated them in the first leg, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, on August 2.

     

    For first-time Alas head coach Taka Minowa, the turnaround was a sign of what his young program can become.

     

    “We were just saying that nothing to expect. So I just told everybody to focus on ourselves and not focus on the opponent’s side because what we can control is only on our side. And so, they did it,” said Alas Women head coach Taka Minowa, who guided the team in his first tournament at the helm.

     

    The Japanese coach also emphasized that the silver medal is only an early step for a team that has had limited time to work together.

     

     

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    “We just trained for 15 days and came to Vietnam and Thailand [legs]. For sure, we’re just starting the program, and we have a lot of opportunities, a lot of space to improve [after] this game,” he added.

     

    Solomon led the way when Alas needed its biggest performance, finishing with a game-high 19 points, all coming from attacks.

     

    Belen and Laure each added 17 points, with Belen also collecting 15 excellent digs while Laure contributed 14 attacks, three blocks and eight excellent digs.

     

    Dell Palomata added nine points, while Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig provided the defensive stability with 15 and 14 excellent digs, respectively.

     

    The Philippines’ response was evident from the opening set.

     

    After Indonesia took an early 11-10 lead, Alas suddenly found another gear, ripping off 12 consecutive points to seize a 22-11 advantage. Indonesia’s errors then helped the Filipinas close out the frame and establish early control.

     

    Indonesia responded in the second set, leveling the match, but Alas regained its footing in the third.

     

    A 9-all deadlock quickly turned into a 15-10 Philippine advantage, with Palomata making her presence felt at the net. The Filipinas maintained enough separation to move within one set of the silver medal.

     

    Then came the fourth-set thriller.

     

    Indonesia reached set point five times in the closing stages, but Alas kept refusing to fold. Each save brought the Philippines closer to a result that would have seemed unlikely after the first leg.

    Purnama finished with 19 points and nine excellent digs for Indonesia, while Yoku recorded 18 points and 17 excellent digs.

     

    For Alas, however, the night belonged to resilience.

     

    The Philippines did not simply beat Indonesia. It erased the memory of the first leg and showed the composure needed to survive when a historic medal was within reach.

     

    After settling for bronze in the previous four editions, Alas Women finally broke through for silver.

    And with Minowa’s program still in its early stages, the historic finish could be less of a destination and more of a starting point.

     

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