Alas Pilipinas Girls bagged bronze in the 22nd Princess Cup SEA U18 Women’s Volleyball Championship after defeating the taller Australian side in the battle for third, 25-13, 25-21, 25-20, on Thursday afternoon at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium in Thailand.
This is a good prelude for the Akari-backed Filipinas, who will now set their sights on the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship taking place from June 16 to 23 at the same venue.
Prior to the battle for bronze, the Philippines had already defeated Australia during the preliminary round last Tuesday, 25-16, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19.
Team captain Harlyn Serneche, who had her best game in the prelims against Australia with 18 points, was at it again, leading Alas to the podium finish.
A down-the-line kill by Rosie Alchin tied the third frame at 20, but the Philippines responded with a flurry of points.
Things started with an attack error by Australian opposite hitter Caitlin Clarke followed by a solid block by Maile Salang.
Another error by the Aussies ensued before Kimberly Rubin drilled back-to-back points for the win and the medal for Alas.
After a lopsided first set in favor of the Nationals, they encountered a rejuvenated Australia squad in the second, who inched to just a point late, 21-22.
However, Denesse Daylisan, Serneche, and Ashley Macalinao provided three straight points for the commanding 2-0 set lead for Alas.
In the upcoming tournament, the Philippines will face more competition as they are grouped in Pool B along with Japan and Iran.
The U18 Volleyball Championship will be participated in by 13 countries divided into four pools.
