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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‘TINA-TRY KO RIN IBIGAY ‘YUNG BEST KO’
Thea Gagate reflects on suiting up again for the national team and delivering a team-high 11 points as Alas crushes Kyrgyzstan in straight sets. #AVCWomensCup #AVC2026 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/wni6VDfoQx
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) June 8, 2026
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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