Alas Pilipinas is peaking at the right time, with Xyz Rayco and Resty Olaguir spearheading the squad as it moved closer to a Round of 16 berth with a commanding 27-25, 25-19, 25-16 sweep of Tunisia on Saturday in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship at Liceo Particular Mixto San Felipe.
Rayco and Olaguir showed why they were key cogs of the Alas Pilipinas Girls squad that earned the Philippines’ ticket to the world meet through the Asian Women’s U16 Championship in Jordan last year. The two rekindled their connection to lead the charge against Tunisia and propel the Philippines to a 2-1 record, good for second place in Group B behind unbeaten China.
Alas Pilipinas, ranked No. 25 in the world, has now made a habit of punching above its weight, taking down higher-ranked opponents in consecutive outings with victories over No. 8 Mexico and No. 20 Tunisia.
(C) FIVB
With Olaguir running the offense, Rayco found the openings that had eluded her in the first two matches of the tournament, which is supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, and Asics.
“It feels different when she sets me the ball. It feels like I can really kill it,” Rayco said. “Of course, I’ll work hard to be able to play my best whoever I share the court with.”
The 16-year-old Rayco delivered 13 points on 12 attacks and a block, including two of Alas Pilipinas’ final three points to seal the nerve-racking first set.
“I’m happy because everyone contributed. I’m also happy with my game because I was able to show how I really play. I’m satisfied even though I made mistakes because I was able to bounce back and show who I am as a player,” Rayco said.
“The past two days, I didn’t feel like I was playing the right way. I felt like I played poorly. My teammates said it was fine, but I wasn’t satisfied, so today I really wanted to bounce back. I’ll keep this going.”
Olaguir said she did not expect to be fielded alongside Irish Mahinay running the offense, but the Ateneo setter settled in when Alas Pilipinas hit a shaky stretch in the opening set.
“I’m happy I got in and contributed. I think I’m slowly getting back to the way I really play,” Olaguir said.
“There are still a lot of things I need to work on. I hope this continues and that I don’t let my emotions get the better of me.”
(C) FIVB
Caera Celis continued her stellar run, leading Alas Pilipinas in scoring for the third straight match with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks.
Sharina Rhyza Lleses chipped in 10 points, all from attacks, as the Philippines now takes a break from tournament action before returning on Monday against world No. 6 Peru.
Alas Pilipinas will wrap up pool play on Tuesday against No. 12 Venezuela.
Gabriela Ayala Torres paced Tunisia with 15 points, while Isabella Gallardo Sibara added 11 in the losing effort.
