Alas Pilipinas needs to regroup and move on from its devastating loss to Iran as it eyes a podium finish in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.
At A Glance
- Despite clearly affecting its goal of replicating or surpassing its bronze-medal finish in the previous edition, the Philippines still has its chance of advancing to the knockout round but must score dominant wins in its final two games against New Zealand (0-2) this Wednesday, and Kazakhstan (3-0), the following day.
Alas Pilipinas (AVC)
After suffering a five-set defeat to the Iranians last Monday, June 9, the Nationals’ bid of securing a medal is in peril as they fell to the third spot with a 2-1 slate in Pool B standings. Only the top 2 squads from each group will advance to the semifinals.
Despite clearly affecting its goal of replicating or surpassing its bronze-medal finish in the previous edition, the Philippines still has its chance of advancing to the knockout round but must score dominant wins in its final two games against New Zealand (0-2) this Wednesday, and Kazakhstan (3-0), the following day.
The Kazakh bets, who authored two easy victories in their three contests, remain the deadliest of the two.
Another opportunity for the Jorge de Brito-mentored squad to catch the semis bus is when Iran gets a heavy beating from Kazakhstan this Wednesday.
If things go its way, Alas Pilipinas could be the potential semis rival of reigning champion Vietnam or Chinese Taipei, which are both currently leading Pool A.
Alas veterans Jia De Guzman and Dawn Catindig should show the way with their hitters Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and debutant Shai Nitura.
De La Salle star Canino, for her part, has to continue her scoring production after her third straight game with double-digit output.