They did it yesterday against Australia, and they did it again today against India.
Alas Pilipinas once again showcased their ability to bounce back after dropping the first set, seizing the next three to defeat their South Asian foes, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18, and claim the solo lead in Pool A in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Friday evening.
The Philippines is the last remaining nation with a spotless record in the five-team pool, improving to 2-0 while pushing India down to 2-1 in second place.
“Every time we play here, I’m sure they’re going to show something better than the day before. Even if the players are a little bit tired, they have the specific ingredients that we need,” said Alas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito after the one-hour, 55-minute match.
“They are really committed to playing. They are really happy because a lot of fans are supporting them, and they want to show up better every single day,” continued the Brazilian tactician.
With the momentum on their side and energized by the electric crowd inside the historic arena, Alas’ rampage extended through the fourth set, opening it at 10-3 while providing an answer to every India run for the team’s second win in as many games.
The score was 21-20 in favor of Alas in the opening frame when Radha Anagha and Jini Kovat Shaji took charge for the Indians with the help of errors from Julia Coronel and Fifi Sharma to seize the early advantage, 25-22.
Then Angel Canino delivered a clutch performance in the second set, proving she’s becoming more comfortable in the opposite position by scoring the Nationals’ last four points there to level it at 25-21.
The third set saw Canino, Eya Laure, and Thea Gagate joining forces to give Alas a 22-16 lead before 19-year-old national team newcomer Arah Panique displayed her skills with an off-speed hit and a push shot for set point, which was finished by Sharma on a quick play, giving the Philippines a 2-1 set lead at 25-17.
Canino’s emergence continued after her 17-point outburst against the Volleyroos, scoring a game-best 22 points this time on an efficient 19-of-36 clip from spikes, along with two service aces and one block.
Laure supported her with 17 points on 15 attacks and two aces, while middle blockers Sharma and Gagate were also effective with 12 points each.
Captain-setter Jia De Guzman was once again remarkable, also contributing five points herself.
The Philippines will aim to go 3-0 and edge closer to the crossover semifinals when they face Iran (1-1) tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Soorya Soorya led India’s attack with 15 points on 12-of-16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Anagha and Anusree Kambrath Poyilil also contributed 13 and 12 points respectively for the Indians, who seek to bounce back against Australia at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
