WITH little time to prepare, Alas Pilipinas, composed of undergraduate and professional volleyball players, triumphed in their maiden assignment in the AVC Challenge Cup, making the local audience prouder than ever.
On Thursday, in front of nearly 5,000 fans at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, they defeated 59th-ranked Australia in four sets, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21. The team was led by Jia de Guzman, Sisi Rondina and Angel Canino.
The national team dominated their opponent right away in the first match. But regardless of how they started, the Australian side went on a 7-1 run, stealing the opening set.
After losing the first set 22-25, the national team turned the game around, ensuring that their opponent would not gain momentum from their first-set victory.
The Australian squad attempted to alter the momentum in their favor. In the fourth and final set, they came within 18-21, giving Alas Pilipinas some nerve-racking moments.
Nonetheless, the Philippines, known for its resilience, demonstrated maturity and calm in difficult circumstances and ultimately won the game with finishing blows from Eya Laure and Fifi Sharma.
“It feels great, knowing especially that we didn’t have a lot of preparation coming here today,” said experienced team captain De Guzman, who contributed six points and nine excellent sets.
“As in, going to this game (against Australia), sabi namin na regardless of what happens, as long as we leave our best on the floor, okay kami sa kung ano man ang result. Thankfully, the win went our way.”
Canino, fresh from her UAAP Season 86 stint, led the scoring with 17 points on 15 attacks, one block, and an ace, earning her the Best Player of the Game award.
Despite being the national team’s highest scorer, the 21-year-old opposite hitter believed that collaboration was the most important factor in their first game victory.
“I don’t think I have a big reason. “The big reason talaga kaya nakuha namin ‘yung win na ‘to is teamwork,” Canino said.
“Kasi given the time na maikli lang ‘yung time, ‘yung preparation namin pero nagawa namin to which is led by coaches and ate Jia [de Guzman] talaga,” she said.
Chery Tiggo’s Laure scored the same amount with 14 attacks, one block and two aces, while her former UST colleague Rondina added 16 points, including the game-winning kill in set four.
The Philippines is presently ranked second in Pool A standings, with a 1-0 win-loss record. At 7 tonight, they will face India, the top-seeded squad with a 2-0 record.
