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Tag: Alas Pilipinas

  • Alas Pilipinas faces do-or-die test against Chinese Taipei in AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas faces do-or-die test against Chinese Taipei in AVC Women’s Cup 

    For all the progress Alas Pilipinas has shown in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, everything now comes down to one match.

     

    The Filipinas enter Thursday’s showdown against Chinese Taipei knowing that their tournament fate is no longer entirely in their hands. Still, the first order of business remains simple: win.

     

    After dropping a straight-set decision to South Korea, Alas Pilipinas finds itself in a must-win situation at the Candon City Arena, where a loss would officially end its semifinal hopes and send the team to the classification phase of the tournament.

     

    A victory, however, would keep the door open.

     

    The Philippines carries a 2-2 record and seven points in Pool A, trailing unbeaten South Korea and Chinese Taipei, who both own identical 3-0 slates and nine points. With South Korea heavily favored to maintain its grip on the top spot, Alas Pilipinas must first take care of Chinese Taipei and then hope results elsewhere break in its favor.

     

    What makes the challenge even steeper is the level of opposition awaiting the host nation.

     

    Chinese Taipei has looked every bit like a semifinal contender behind the firepower of Yu-Chun Tsai and Yi-Chi Chang, giving the Filipinas little room for error in a match that could determine whether their medal aspirations survive another day.

     

    Yet despite the pressure, the mood inside the Philippine camp remains one of belief rather than desperation.

     

    “At this point… dami naming natutunan, pinagaralan, so sana buong puso naming haharapin ‘yong susunod nang laban,” said team captain Alyssa Valdez.

     

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    “Syempre best effort pa rin, bigay lang namin ‘yong best namin, ‘yong makakaya namin, and susubukan talaga namin lahat ng makakaya namin,” added veteran middle blocker Ara Galang.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will lean heavily on middle blocker Thea Gagate, who has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent performers after leading the scoring in each of its last two matches.

     

    Niña Ytang is also expected to play a pivotal role after earning praise from South Korean star Kang Sohwi for her strong performances throughout the tournament. Alongside them, Alyssa Solomon, Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kyle Negrito, Alyssa Eroa, Kyla Atienza, and Tots Carlos will be tasked with delivering a more complete team effort against one of the tournament’s toughest squads.

     

    The situation is straightforward for the Filipinas.

     

    Win, and their hopes remain alive.

     

    Lose, and their quest for a podium finish comes to an end.

     

    With a passionate home crowd behind them and their AVC campaign hanging in the balance, Alas Pilipinas now faces its biggest test yet in Candon City.

     

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  • “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    “Very happy to be playing with her”: Alyssa Valdez emotional after finally teaming up with Ara Galang

    The 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup currently being held in Candon City has provided a meaningful glimpse into the evolving landscape of Philippine women’s volleyball, with Alas Pilipinas fielding a balanced mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans as it continues its campaign on home soil.

     

    Beyond the results and the growing pains of facing Asia’s elite, one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines has been the long-awaited on-court reunion of two of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable names—Alyssa Valdez and Ara Galang.

     

    For years, fans had envisioned the possibility of the two former collegiate rivals sharing the same side of the net. Their iconic Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which later extended into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), helped define an era of Philippine volleyball and fueled widespread anticipation for a partnership that never materialized in previous international or club settings.

     

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    The pairing, often dubbed by fans as the “GaDez” tandem, had been the subject of discussion for nearly a decade. At one point in 2014, the possibility of them suiting up together reportedly came close, only for circumstances within the volleyball federation setup at the time to prevent it from pushing through.

     

    Fast forward to the present, and that long-awaited collaboration has finally become reality under the Alas Pilipinas program—an emotional and symbolic moment for supporters who had followed both stars since their collegiate days.

     

    The Valdez-Galang tandem officially took the court during Alas Pilipinas’ 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat to continental powerhouse South Korea at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9. While the result favored the more experienced Korean side, the match carried far greater significance for Philippine volleyball fans witnessing two of its modern-era icons share the floor for the national team.

    Despite the loss, both Valdez and Galang showed flashes of their trademark competitiveness, combining leadership, experience, and steady composure against one of Asia’s top-ranked programs. More importantly, the moment represented a full-circle chapter in their careers, transitioning from fierce rivals to national teammates united under the same flag.

     

    For Valdez, the opportunity carried emotional weight, as she reflected on the timing of their long-awaited partnership and the shared journey that led them to the national team stage.

     

    “I think this may have come late in our careers, but it’s the right time. It’s the right time for us to inspire each other, especially in the latter part of our careers. I’m very happy to be playing with Ara. She has a different kind of fire. You can really see how much she wants to fight and compete,” Valdez said.

     

    Galang, meanwhile, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for finally being able to represent the country alongside a familiar rival-turned-teammate whose career has often mirrored her own in terms of success, challenges, and longevity.

     

    “We are really happy. It’s been a long time, and honestly, we didn’t expect this. Maybe it was destined to happen now. I’m thankful to be her teammate, especially on the national team,” Galang added.

     

    Their partnership on the national team also highlights the broader direction of Alas Pilipinas, which continues to integrate veteran leadership with younger prospects as it prepares for more demanding international competitions. While the results in the AVC Cup reflect the challenges of rebuilding and cohesion at the highest level, the presence of experienced figures like Valdez and Galang provides stability and mentorship for the next generation.

     

    As Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, the Valdez-Galang reunion stands out not just as a nostalgic moment for fans, but as a symbolic reminder of how Philippine volleyball has evolved—and how former rivals can come together in pursuit of national pride.

     

     

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  • AVC ends speculation over covered PNVF marks on Alas player jerseys 

    AVC ends speculation over covered PNVF marks on Alas player jerseys 

    The missing PNVF logos on the uniforms of Alas Pilipinas Women sparked plenty of questions this week. As the national team continued its campaign in the AVC Women’s Cup, many wondered whether the taped-over federation markings were a silent message amid the growing turmoil surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

     

    The Asian Volleyball Confederation has now provided a definitive answer.

     

    In a move aimed at ending speculation, the AVC clarified that the absence of the PNVF logo on the Philippine uniforms has nothing to do with the federation’s ongoing leadership crisis and everything to do with tournament regulations.

     

    Since Monday’s match against Kyrgyzstan, fans noticed that the PNVF markings on both the playing and warm-up jerseys of Alas Pilipinas had been covered. The timing naturally fueled discussions, with the federation currently facing suspension from the FIVB, the withdrawal of Philippine Sports Commission funding, and a widening internal dispute that has left president Tony Boy Liao under mounting pressure.

     

    However, according to the AVC, the matter is purely procedural.

     

    In a June 9 letter signed by AVC executive vice president and tournament control committee president Mohamed Latheef, the continental body explained that the Philippine team was simply following the uniform guidelines imposed for the tournament.

     

    Under AVC regulations, only specific identifiers are allowed in designated portions of the jersey, including the country flag, country name or code, approved manufacturer logo, and authorized sponsors. Federation logos are not permitted in those restricted areas.

     

    “The AVC does not allow any participating team to place supplementary graphics, including National Federation logos, in the specific positions reserved for the officially mandated country flags, country codes, manufacturer marks, or approved sponsors,” the letter stated.

     

    The governing body further stressed that any additional markings in those locations would violate tournament regulations.

     

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    “The Alas Pilipinas team is currently in full compliance with AVC rules by omitting the PNVF logo from these strictly regulated areas on their match jerseys,” the AVC wrote.

     

    The clarification comes at a time when the national team has been trying to keep its focus on competition despite the noise surrounding the federation.

     

    While administrative issues continue to dominate headlines off the court, officials have repeatedly urged the players to concentrate on representing the country.

     

    Among them is PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who recently called on stakeholders to rally behind Alas Pilipinas regardless of the ongoing controversy.

     

    “There is a time for commercial volleyball and there is a time for the national team. Kapag Alas ang pinag-uusapan, dapat lagi tayong magkakampi at sama-sama. The best gift you can give to yourself is to wear that Philippine team uniform. It is your gift to the nation,” Gregorio said.

     

    “We want all of you to just concentrate. Kalimutan nyo yung pulitika ng sports. Kalimutan nyo yung pulitika ng pederasyon nyo.”

     

    For now, the AVC’s clarification puts an end to one of the tournament’s biggest off-court talking points, confirming that the logos were covered not as a statement, but as a requirement. As far as the continental governing body is concerned, Alas Pilipinas remains fully compliant and fully focused on the competition at hand.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas rookie Niña Ytang earns praise from South Korea captain after standout showing

    Alas Pilipinas rookie Niña Ytang earns praise from South Korea captain after standout showing

    Alas Pilipinas absorbed its second straight defeat in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup after falling to continental powerhouse South Korea, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22, at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, June 9.

     

    Despite the straight-sets result, the national team showed flashes of competitiveness—particularly in the third set—before ultimately succumbing to South Korea’s depth, discipline, and superior execution on both ends of the floor.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, the match also served as another showcase of rising middle blocker Niña Ytang, who continued to build her reputation as one of the team’s most promising young standouts in her debut international campaign.

     

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    The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons star finished as the second-leading scorer for the Philippines with eight points, tallying seven attacks and one block. While the numbers may not fully capture her impact, Ytang’s presence at the net provided consistent resistance against South Korea’s high-powered offense and quick-tempo system.

    Her performance did not go unnoticed.

     

    South Korea captain Kang Sohwi singled out the young middle blocker when asked which Alas Pilipinas player stood out during the match, offering rare praise from one of Asia’s elite competitors.

     

    “Number 9, the middle blocker,” Sohwi said when asked which Alas Pilipinas player impressed her the most.

     

    For Ytang, the recognition from a top-tier international opponent served as validation of her rapid adjustment to the demands of international volleyball, though she remained grounded in her response.

    “I must be doing something right kaya siguro ganun. Pero for me naman I’m just doing my best, doing everything I can para sa bayan,” Ytang stated.

     

    Ytang has quietly emerged as one of the bright spots for Alas Pilipinas in the tournament, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive timing in the middle. In the team’s opening win over Uzbekistan, she delivered a strong debut performance with 12 points built on eight attacks and four kill blocks, immediately establishing herself as a reliable presence in the rotation.

     

    She followed that up with an even more dynamic outing against Australia, where she produced 13 points highlighted by nine attacks, three service aces, and a block, demonstrating her expanding skill set and growing confidence against higher-level competition.

     

    Across three matches, Ytang has shown steady improvement in adapting to international pace, with her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game becoming a valuable asset for Alas Pilipinas as it continues its campaign in the AVC tournament.

     

    Her emergence has also drawn attention beyond the national team setup, particularly given the significant decision she made prior to the competition. Ytang opted to withdraw her application for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, choosing instead to commit fully to Alas Pilipinas Women and her development within the national team program.

     

    The decision underscored her long-term focus on international experience and national team duty, prioritizing exposure against elite Asian opposition over immediate professional league opportunities.

     

    While Alas Pilipinas continues to navigate a challenging tournament against some of Asia’s strongest programs, performances like Ytang’s offer a glimpse of a developing core that could anchor the national team in future international competitions.

     

    As the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup progresses, the Philippines will look to regroup and build on its competitive moments, while Ytang’s steady rise remains one of the most encouraging storylines in the campaign.

     

     

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  • Korea halts Alas Pilipinas rally, sends Filipinas into must-win situation against Chinese-Taipei 

    Korea halts Alas Pilipinas rally, sends Filipinas into must-win situation against Chinese-Taipei 

    South Korea proved too much for Alas Pilipinas on Tuesday afternoon, handing the host nation a 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 defeat in Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

     

    The loss dropped the Filipinas to a 2-2 record in the tournament, putting them in a precarious position heading into their final pool-stage assignment against unbeaten Chinese Taipei.

     

    After splitting the opening two sets, Alas showed signs of mounting a serious challenge in the third frame. The Filipinas briefly seized momentum and built a 20-18 advantage behind the steady play of their young middle blockers and a more aggressive attack.

     

    However, the experienced Koreans responded when it mattered most.

     

    South Korea unleashed a decisive 5-0 run to turn a two-point deficit into a commanding lead, silencing the home crowd and taking control of the match down the stretch. Alas Pilipinas struggled to regain its footing as the visitors completed the sweep and secured another crucial victory in the tournament.


    The Koreans held the edge in most statistical categories, finishing with a 46-36 advantage in attack points while also dominating at the net with seven blocks compared to the Philippines’ four.

     

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    Thea Gagate paced the Filipinas with nine points built on five attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Nina Ytang continued her impressive tournament run with eight points on seven attacks and one block.


    South Korea was powered by team captain Kang So-hwi, who delivered a match-high 19 points anchored on 15 attacks, three aces, and one block. Her timely scoring helped spark the crucial third-set comeback that ultimately sealed the contest.

     

    Despite the defeat, Alas Pilipinas showed flashes of competitiveness against one of Asia’s traditional volleyball powers, particularly in the third set where they pushed the Koreans before running out of answers late.


    The Filipinas now face a must-win scenario against Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match on Thursday. Even with a victory, Alas may still need favorable results from other matches to secure a semifinal berth, with their fate no longer entirely in their hands.


    For now, the focus shifts to regrouping quickly and delivering their strongest performance of the tournament against the pool leaders as they fight to keep their medal hopes alive.


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  • PSC keeps focus on national team development amid PNVF governance issues 

    PSC keeps focus on national team development amid PNVF governance issues 

    With Philippine volleyball facing another period of institutional turmoil, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is choosing to redirect attention away from controversy and toward long-term national team development.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that issues surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) are now being handled at the international and Olympic governance level, effectively placing the matter under the jurisdiction of the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). 


    The situation surrounding the PNVF has been placed under review by the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), following reported governance concerns and internal issues within the federation. But for Gregorio, the priority is ensuring that the noise off the court does not disrupt the progress of the athletes representing the country.

     

    At the center of that vision is Alas Pilipinas and the broader national team program, which Gregorio believes must already be shaped with a long-term lens toward the country’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.

     

    “Ang sa akin po, programa. We are hosting the World Championship in 2029. Before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin ‘yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta,” Gregorio said.

     

    His message reflects a broader attempt to stabilize focus amid ongoing controversy surrounding the PNVF, which has recently been suspended by the FIVB over reported “serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.” 

     

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    Adding to the instability is internal friction, including the reported withdrawal of support from a majority of the federation’s executive board for its leadership under Tonyboy Liao—an issue that has intensified calls for resolution and reform.

     

    Gregorio made it clear that the PSC will not be drawn into administrative disputes, emphasizing that governance decisions are already being addressed by the appropriate bodies.

     

    “I don’t want to comment on that because nandoon na po ‘yan sa FIVB and assignment po ‘yan ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Basta sa amin lang po, kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, gusto lang namin na talagang ang focus is on the national team program,” Gregorio said.

     

    He stressed that unity and focus are essential, especially given the scale of investment from government and private stakeholders.

     

    “Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors. So ayaw namin ng hidwaan, lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad,” the PSC chairman said.

     

    Even as national-level issues continue to unfold, Gregorio pointed to encouraging developments at the grassroots and regional level, particularly the ongoing 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, which he described as an example of strong local hosting capability.

     

    “Obviously, talaga namang expected ko na ‘to — it will be a very beautiful hosting. Candon City, sila Mayor Eric Singson, sanay na sanay mag-host ng international events,” said Gregorio.

     

    The PSC chief also reaffirmed his intention to decentralize Philippine sports hosting, pushing more international and national competitions outside Metro Manila to strengthen provincial sports ecosystems and broaden public engagement.

     

    “Kailangan maramdaman din ng taumbayan, ng mga probinsiya natin, na kaya naman talaga nila mag-host e. Kayang-kaya. Sa totoo lang, excited sila. So we have to do more sporting events outside of Metro Manila in the years to come. Pangako ko po ‘yan as PSC chairman,” he said.

     

    In the middle of governance disputes and organizational uncertainty, the PSC’s message is increasingly centered on continuity over conflict, keeping the focus on athletes, and expanding the country’s hosting footprint.

     

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  • Thea Gagate steps up as Alas Pilipinas finds its footing again

    Thea Gagate steps up as Alas Pilipinas finds its footing again

    For a young national team still searching for consistency, leadership often reveals itself in the moments immediately after disappointment.

     

    That was exactly the situation facing Alas Pilipinas following its painful five-set collapse against Australia, a match that slipped away after the Filipinas held a two-sets-to-one advantage. Less than 24 hours later, the squad returned to the floor with little time to dwell on what could have been.

     

    What followed was a statement performance.

     

    Powered by one of her strongest outings of the tournament, Thea Gagate helped steer Alas Pilipinas to a convincing 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 victory over Kyrgyzstan on Monday at the Candon City Arena, lifting the host nation to a 2-1 record in Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup.

     

    The victory was more than just another mark in the win column. It was a response from a team determined not to let one difficult night define its campaign.

     

    At the center of that response was Gagate.

     

    After being limited to seven points against Australia, the 6-foot-2 middle blocker reasserted her presence on both ends of the floor. She controlled the middle with timely blocks, finished attacks efficiently, and provided stability to a lineup looking to regain its confidence.

     

    Gagate finished with 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace, leading a balanced Alas attack that overwhelmed Kyrgyzstan from the opening whistle.

     

    Yet the former top overall PVL Draft pick viewed the performance less as an individual breakthrough and more as a reflection of the team’s ability to learn from adversity.

     

    “Inisip lang namin ‘yung mga lapses namin nung last game, and ginawan lang namin ng paraan para maka-recover and mabalik ‘yung kumpyansa ng bawat isa,” said Gagate.

     

    “Well, iniisip lang talaga namin ‘yung sarili namin, ‘yung teammates namin. Siyempre, nandoon din ‘yung tiwala ng bawat isa and especially sa coaches. Malaking bagay kasi sila rin ‘yung naghe-help sa amin maging buo as a team.”

     

    While much of the current roster is still building chemistry on the international stage, Gagate occupies a unique position within the program.

     

    She is one of only two remaining players from the Alas Pilipinas squad that competed in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, joining fellow holdover Alyssa Solomon. That experience has naturally elevated her role within a roster blending veterans, collegiate standouts, and first-time national team players. 

     

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    Alongside team captain Alyssa Valdez, veteran hitters Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina, Gagate has quietly become one of the pillars helping guide the new-look national team through the demands of international competition.

     

    The responsibility is something she has embraced.

     

    “For me, gusto ko lang talaga ibigay ‘yung best ko and gusto ko lang din ma-apply ‘yung mga natutunan ko nga in the past tournaments sa national team. And hopefully, mas marami pa akong maipakita, especially sa upcoming games since important din ‘yung games na ‘yun,” she said.

     

    “Well, siguro puwede kong ibigay sa kanila ‘yung mga natutunan ko in the past leagues sa national team, lalo na sa mga bata. And siyempre tina-try ko rin ‘yung best ko na ibigay lahat.”

     

    The timing of Gagate’s performance could not have been better.

     

    With South Korea looming as the next challenge, Alas Pilipinas enters one of its most important matches of the preliminary round carrying renewed momentum and confidence. And as the tournament progresses, the Filipinas will continue to rely on players who can help transform difficult lessons into immediate growth.

     

    Against Kyrgyzstan, Gagate showed exactly what that looks like. One day after a heartbreaking defeat, she helped lead a team that looked ready to move forward.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas storms past Kyrgyzstan, bounces back with dominant AVC Nations Cup win 

    Alas Pilipinas storms past Kyrgyzstan, bounces back with dominant AVC Nations Cup win 

    It took only an hour for Alas Pilipinas to put its disappointing five-set loss to Australia behind and return to winning form.

     

    The Filipinas delivered a commanding performance from start to finish, sweeping Kyrgyzstan, 25-9, 25-11, 25-17, to secure their second victory in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup at the Candon City Arena.

     

    After being pushed to the limit by Australia a day earlier, Alas left no room for drama this time, overwhelming Kyrgyzstan with superior attacking, disciplined floor defense, and a balanced offensive attack.

     

    The Philippines seized control immediately in the opening set, racing to an 11-3 advantage behind relentless pressure at the net. A block by Thea Gagate extended the lead to 18-8 before a service ace from Kyle Negrito pushed the margin to 19-8.

     

    Alas continued to pile on the points with a 5-0 run that stretched the lead to 20-8, leaving Kyrgyzstan with no answers. Veteran wing spiker Cess Molina eventually closed out the frame with a powerful attack to seal a lopsided 25-9 opening-set victory.

     

    The numbers reflected the domination, with Alas converting 16 attack points while Kyrgyzstan managed just one attack point in the set.

     

    The momentum carried into the second frame as young middle blocker Niña Ytang emerged as a key contributor on both ends of the floor. Her defensive presence and timely attacks helped the Filipinas establish a 10-4 lead, highlighted by a setup that led to an Alyssa Valdez kill.

     

    Alas never looked back, building a 15-5 cushion midway through the set before stretching the advantage to 18-6. Ytang continued her strong outing with another point that made it 21-7.

     

    Molina once again helped bring the Philippines to the brink, scoring for a 24-10 lead before Cla Loresco finished the set with a quick attack to hand Alas a comfortable 25-11 win.

     

    The Filipinas capitalized on 14 attack points and took full advantage of eight Kyrgyzstan errors in the second set.

     

    Determined to finish the match quickly, Alas opened the third set with a 5-0 run fueled by back-to-back points from Jovelyn Gonzaga.

     

    Gonzaga remained aggressive early, scoring three of the team’s first seven points as the Filipinas established control. Kyrgyzstan attempted to mount a response with three consecutive points, but Ytang quickly halted the rally with another attack that restored an eight-point lead at 14-6.

     

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    Alas continued to dictate the pace, eventually stretching the margin to 20-10 as victory came into sight.

     

    To its credit, Kyrgyzstan showed more resistance late in the third set and managed to surpass the 15-point mark for the first time in the match. However, the comeback attempt never seriously threatened the Filipinas.

     

    A Kyrgyzstan error brought Alas to match point before Loresco delivered the final blow, hammering down the match-winning spike to complete the straight-sets triumph.

     

    Gagate led the balanced offensive effort with 11 points built on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Gonzaga added 10 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez chipped in nine.

     

    Ytang and Loresco combined for 10 points, but their impact extended far beyond the scoresheet. Both young middle blockers anchored the defensive effort with timely blocks and strong floor coverage that repeatedly disrupted Kyrgyzstan’s attack.

     

    Meanwhile, Alyssa Solomon, who erupted for 23 points against Australia, was limited to three points as Alas spread the offense among multiple scorers.

     

    For Kyrgyzstan, Aiturgan Aitbekova finished as the team’s top scorer with four points.

     

    The biggest difference, however, came in attack production. The Philippines dominated the category, 48-12, showcasing the offensive firepower that fueled one of its most convincing victories of the tournament.

     

    With the bounce-back win, Alas Pilipinas regained momentum and strengthened its position in Pool A as it continues its campaign in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, NBA, Alas Pilipinas, and Alex Eala’s HSBC Championships (June 8 – 14)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, NBA, Alas Pilipinas, and Alex Eala’s HSBC Championships (June 8 – 14)

    A busy stretch of sports action unfolds from June 8 to 14, 2026, with major competitions across volleyball, tennis, basketball, and the NBA Finals all taking center stage. From Alas Pilipinas’ AVC Women’s Cup campaign to Alex Eala’s continued rise on the WTA Tour, and the high-stakes PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between TNT and Ginebra, fans are set for a week packed with must-watch matchups across multiple arenas.

     

    AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup

     

    June 8 (Monday) 

    • 3:00 PM – Alas Pilipinas vs Kyrgyzstan

      June 9 (Tuesday)
    • 3:00 PM – Alas Pilipinas vs South Korea

    June 11 (Thursday)

    • 3:00 PM – Alas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei

    Tennis – HSBC Championships (Women’s Singles)

     

    June 9 (Tuesday)

    • 5:00 PM – Alex Eala vs Zhang Shuai (Round of 32)

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    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals

     

    Game 4 – June 10 (Wednesday) Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 7:35 PM – TNT Tropang 5G vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

    Game 5 – June 12 (Friday) Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 7:30 PM – TNT Tropang 5G vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

    NBA Finals

     

    June 9 (Tuesday)

    • 8:30 AM PHT – San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks

    June 11 (Thursday) 

    • 8:30 AM PHT – San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks

    June 14 (Sunday) 

    • 8:30 AM PHT (if necessary) – San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks

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  • Niña Ytang is making the most of her Alas Pilipinas opportunity 

    Niña Ytang is making the most of her Alas Pilipinas opportunity 

    For Niña Ytang, the mission has been slightly different.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout arrived at Alas Pilipinas not focused on individual numbers or instant recognition, but on learning everything she can from the veterans around her.

     

    That mindset has not stopped her from becoming one of the early bright spots for the national team in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup.

     

    While the spotlight has largely been on the established names guiding the program, Ytang has quietly carved out an important role for herself, providing energy, size, and consistency in the middle as the Philippines navigates a tournament with a relatively new-look roster.

     

    Her introduction to international volleyball could hardly have gone better.

     

    In her first match wearing national colors, Ytang delivered 12 points built on eight attacks and four kill blocks as Alas Pilipinas swept Uzbekistan in straight sets. She followed that performance with another double-digit outing against Australia, producing 13 points highlighted by nine attacks, three service aces, and a block.

     

    The statistics tell only part of the story.

     

    Throughout the opening matches, Ytang offered stability whenever the Philippines needed a spark at the net. Whether through timely blocks, quick attacks, or simply maintaining her composure in extended rallies, the 24-year-old middle blocker showed why the coaching staff trusted her with a spot on the roster.

     

    Yet despite the strong start, Ytang remains focused on growth rather than results.

     

    “I would say marami po akong natutunan, lalo na sa sarili ko,” said the Bantayan, Cebu native.

     

    “Of course, laging andiyan ‘yung mga ates and coaches na laging nag-ga-guide. Sa ngayon, more on lessons lang talaga ‘yung focus ko ngayon.”

     

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    Her commitment to the national team was evident even before the tournament began.

     

    Ytang chose to forgo the 2026 PVL Draft to prioritize her Alas Pilipinas campaign, betting that the experience of competing internationally would be more valuable at this stage of her development.

     

    So far, that decision has paid off.

     

    Beyond her personal performances, Ytang believes the team’s biggest challenge moving forward is not talent but cohesion. With several players still adjusting to one another, she sees communication and composure as the areas that will determine how far the Philippines can go in the competition.

     

    “I think it’s the composure and ‘yung connection sa isa’t isa po,” she said.

     

    “Laging communication, lalo na mahirap po na kakasama lang namin, so communication and composure sa loob ng court.”

     

    As Alas Pilipinas continues its campaign, Ytang’s emergence may be one of the tournament’s most encouraging developments. Not because she has become a leading scorer, but because she has embraced the role of a learner while already contributing like a veteran.

     

    For now, every point, every block, and every lesson appears to be moving her one step closer to becoming a long-term fixture in the national team setup.

     

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