Alas Pilipinas bowed out of quarterfinal contention after absorbing a 25-22, 25-13, 28-26 loss to Indonesia on Friday in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation Girls’ U18 Championship at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Needing a victory to keep its knockout-stage hopes alive, the Filipinas put up a spirited fight, especially in the tightly contested third set, but ultimately fell short in the one-hour, 32-minute match.
Ella Gonzalvo led the Philippines with 12 points built on 10 attacks and two aces, while Xyz Rayco added 10 markers on nine attacks and one block.
Sharina Lleses chipped in eight points, while Adeleine Agustin contributed six for the Filipinas, who entered the tournament fresh off a bronze-medal finish in the Princess Cup.
“I can say that we played good today but Indonesia played better. We have to move on from this loss and focus on our next game,” said head coach Karl Dimaculangan, who is assisted by Kenan Jairus Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang.
With the defeat, the Philippines finished third in Pool C with a 1-2 record, behind unbeaten Japan (3-0) and Indonesia (2-1), which both advanced to the quarterfinals. Iran ended its campaign at the bottom of the group with a 0-3 slate.
“I’m sure the girls felt bad because they played against Indonesia in the Princess Cup. The Indonesians really prepared to beat us,” said team manager Carmela Gamboa.
Khanza Ganeshi led Indonesia with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while team captain Tina Salim matched her output with 14 points, all coming on attacks.
“Defense is the key to our victory. The commitment is there. We did better in reception and blocking,” said Indonesia head coach Hasan Angga.
“The Filipino players are very good, but I am confident that we can beat them,” he added.
Despite missing out on the quarterfinals, Alas Pilipinas will continue its campaign in the classification phase.
The tournament’s four semifinalists will qualify for next year’s FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship, with the host country yet to be announced.
