RIFFA, Bahrain — Consistency and teamwork will be key as the Alas Pilipinas women look to continue making waves at the Asian Youth Games.

Denesse Daylisan, one of the more experienced players on the young squad, said the team is taking it one match at a time, even as expectations rise following the Filipinas’ straight-sets victory over Asian powerhouse China.

“Kung matibay po yung connection sa loob at labas ng court, kaya po ilaban yun,” Daylisan said, pointing to the team’s growing chemistry as a factor in their solid start.

The Alas Pilipinas women are already locked in for the quarterfinals, boasting an impressive run with two wins in three matches — defeating South Korea in five sets in the opener and beating China, 25-20, 25-18, 25-20, on Thursday to recover from a straight-sets loss to Thailand.

Daylisan said their recent run is the result of hard work and preparation.

“Hindi tsamba yun,” said Daylisan. “Pinaghirapan po namin yun, maganda naman ang galaw namin.”

Alas Pilipinas still had a match against Hong Kong on Friday ahead of the Round of Eight, and Daylisan noted that although they won convincingly over China the night before, the team remains focused and sees each outing as a chance to improve.

“Ipopolish pa natin yung mga galaw, kaya natin ilaban internationally,” she said.

Rhose Almendralejo led the charge against China with 23 points, including nine in a fiery opening set that stunned the opposition. Sam Cantada and Philippine delegation flag bearer Harlyn Serneche chipped in 10 points each, helping seal the straight-sets win.

With standout performances from Almendralejo, Cantada, Serneche, Daylisan, and rising talents like Diza Marie Berayo, Jaila Adrao, Micaella Gould, Ysabella Patricia Cruz, and Atasha Doroja, Alas Pilipinas is proving that their victories are no fluke.

Philippine team Chef de Mission Ramon “Tats” Suzara praised their performance, noting that while individual players like Almendralejo, Cantada, and Serneche have shone, it’s the collective effort that deserves recognition.

“The Alas Pilipinas team has shown impressive growth in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain,” Suzara said. “There are a lot of very good potentials. Of course they are very young, there’s still a lot of learning. It’s a stepping stone for them to make it to the higher level of Alas Pilipinas.”

Suzara also acknowledged the excitement surrounding the team’s future.

“It’s overwhelming what these players have shown, they have a bright future for the Alas senior national team,” he said. “I see a lot of energy, I see they’re having fun. It’s very good they enjoy how they play.”