Alas Pilipinas is looking to extend its historic run all the way to the Finals when it comes out in full force against Kazakhstan in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup semifinal on Tuesday, May 28, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

The top seeded Philippines dominated its preliminary campaign in Pool A in sweeping fashion which forged a semifinal showdown against Pool B’s No. 2 seed Kazakhstan at 7 p.m. 

The Jia Morado-captained Philippines is headed to its first-ever AVC-sanctioned semifinal appearance, and behind her are the mix of fire of youth and endgame composure from the veterans to get the job done. 

"Kazakhstan is a very strong team. Very tall also. Medyo nakaranas naman kami ng malakas at matangkad na team in our bracket," Morado said. 

"Kami naman talaga yung goal namin is to get it one game at a time. Wala kaming iniiwasan, wala kaming hinahanap na kalaban. Kahit sinong makakalaban namin magiging challenge for us," she added. 

Following their last-minute call-up for the weeklong tournament, Morado brilliantly made her rotation work in the four-game eliminations for the perfect 4-0 record, which was just further proof of her playmaking skills and talent. 

“Feels great. Sobrang proud ko sa naabot ng team namin. Hindi madali ang pinagdaanan namin at hindi magiging madali ang pagdadaanan pa namin, I'm sure. Kasi ibang laban na rin ang semifinals, so we're just going in with a positive mindset,” said Morado. 

After taking on a new role in the first three games, Alas Pilipinas top performer Angel Canino, who impressed in her national team debut, got to rest for a full game as she was replaced by Faith Nisperos against Chinese Taipei on Sunday night. 

Likewise, outside hitter Sisi Rondina sat out the game with Vanie Gandler fulfilling her duty in the process. 

High-flying spiker Eya Laure, though, was reliable through the eliminations and had her talent on full display which kept the Philippines on top. 

With Cherry Nunag, Nisperos and Gandler all providing the ample support needed from them, Morado was just happy to have anyone from the lineup to work with inside the court. 

“Well, the bench is pretty deep. Kahit sino sa amin ready pumasok at ready mag deliver. Kahit si Julia Coronel as a setter, so it’s good for us kasi we’re a bit more unpredictable para sa kalaban,” she said. 

Despite the ceaseless rainfall brought by typhoon Aghon, volleyball fans came in full swing to show support for Alas Pilipinas from the very first game until the sweeping victory. 

With only one game standing between the Philippines and the AVC Finals, Alas Pilipinas is on a mission to make it happen and lift a trophy in front of the growing fans and give them something more than just a good game. 

Meanwhile, Pool B’s top seed Vietnam is facing Pool A’s No. 2 seed Australia in the other semifinal pairing.