Alas Pilipinas absorbed its first defeat in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation Girls’ U18 Championship after falling to Japan, 20-25, 17-25, 24-26, on Thursday at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The loss dropped the Filipinas to 1-1 in Pool C, leaving them with no room for error heading into their crucial match against Indonesia on Friday at 4 p.m.
Indonesia, which also entered the day at 0-1, was scheduled to face fellow winless Iran later on Thursday.
“We had many opportunities that we did not maximize. We know that Japan is tough, but we gave it our best,” said head coach Karl Dimaculangan, who is assisted by Kenan Jairus Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang.
Sharina Lleses led Alas Pilipinas with 15 points on 13 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Ella Gonzalvo added 10 points, all coming from attacks.
Ysabelle Cruz chipped in seven points, built on four attacks, two blocks, and one ace for the Filipinas, who are competing in the tournament under the Philippine Olympic Committee with support from the Philippine Sports Commission, Boysen, and Monolith.
After dropping the opening two sets, the Philippines mounted a spirited fightback in the third set and threatened to extend the match before Japan held on to complete the straight-set victory.
“It was a good game. We fought hard. We tried to win, but there’s still something missing. We will fight again tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll win,” said the 14-year-old Lleses, a Grade 9 student at King’s Montessori School in Quezon City.
The 5-foot-9 outside hitter is also among the members of the Philippine team that qualified for the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship in Chile from August 6 to 16, alongside Xyz Rayco, Jhaynna Bulandres, Princess Manzano, Irish Mahinay, and Frances Ramos.
“Japan is always hard to beat, and being able to play against them is an opportunity. Our players are not used to facing a fast-paced team like Japan,” said team manager Carmela Gamboa. “They rallied toward the end, and it became a close game. They just fell short. Hopefully, they learn from this game and will be ready against Indonesia.”
Rio Nishimura powered Japan with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while Kadiatou Kaba added 12 points on 11 attacks and one ace as the Japanese improved to 2-0 and secured a place in the next round.
