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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider ‎Valdez, Alas Women take on Uzbek hitters to kickstart AVC stint

‎Valdez, Alas Women take on Uzbek hitters to kickstart AVC stint

Published Jun 5, 2026 01:54 pm

At A Glance

  • ‎CANDON CITY -- Alas Pilipinas begins its quest for glory when it takes on Uzbekistan in the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Cup opener at the Candon City Arena Saturday, June 6 here.
(Volleyball Philippines)
(Volleyball Philippines)

‎CANDON CITY -- Alas Pilipinas begins its quest for glory when it takes on Uzbekistan in the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Cup opener at the Candon City Arena Saturday, June 6 here.

Interim head coach Shaq Delos Santos tempers expectations with a handful of veterans now in command to help the national team conquer the tournament in front of Ilocano fans.

The ‎Philippines and Uzbekistan, both Pool A teams, are set for a 3 p.m. showdown, following a 9 a.m. game between Vietnam and Lebanon, and a 12 noon collision of Kazakhstan and Hong Kong.

‎Also part of opening day action is the 6 p.m. duel of Iran and Indonesia, while wrapping up the day is the clash between South Korea and Kyrgyzstan at 9 p.m.

Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ces Molina lead the squad in the continental showpiece which features the top women's squads in the region.‎

‎Despite the pressure of reaching the podium anew after the country's silver-medal finish in the previous edition held in Vietnam, Valdez and Gonzaga promise nothing but to give their best effort.

‎“Realitiscally, we really cannot predict anything in this AVC… but all we can do is prepare talaga. Well, para mabigyan natin ng magandang laban kung sino po ‘yong makakalaban natin this AVC and siyempre 'yong mga fans,” said Valdez.

‎"Ang focus namin ngayon is ‘yong preparation, paano namin i-work out ‘yong chemistry kasi ‘yon talaga ang pinaka-importante. Walang expectations, kasi alam namin kung paano kami mag-trabaho," Gonzaga stressed.

‎Valdez, Gonzaga, and Molina are expected to be at the forefront to guide newly-minted Premier Volleyball League (PVL) MVP Trisha Tubu, Jaz Ellarina, Niña Ytang, and Cla Loresco, and Tin Ubaldo.

‎Also providing the support on both ends are experienced tossers in Tots Carlos, Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Kyle Negrito, Kyla Atienza, and Alyssa Eroa.

‎For world No. 96 Uzbekistan, teen ace Zebokhon Absamatova is expected to carry the fight against the No. 48 hometown bets.

‎Meanwhile, Alyssa Solomon, who begged off anew in the recent PVL Rookie Draft, is still uncertain to suit up for the Nationals after her name was removed in the roster of players in the tournament's website

Related Tags

Alyssa Valdez Alas Pilipinas AVC Women\'s Vollyeball Cup Shaq Delos Santos Jovelyn Gonzaga Ces Molina Alyssa Solomon
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