After a heartbreaking five-set loss to Iran last Monday, Alas Pilipinas Women bounced back with a commanding straight-sets victory over New Zealand, 25-17, 25-21, 25-18, to strengthen its semifinal hopes in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup on Wednesday at the Doang Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Coming off a full day of rest, the Filipinas improved to a 3-1 record, tying Iran for second place in Pool B. Kazakhstan remains at the top of the standings with a perfect 4-0 record and has already secured a spot in the semifinals.
In the third set, with Alas trailing 11-13, the trio of Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and Alyssa Solomon powered a decisive 14-4 closing run that sealed the sweep and boosted the Philippines’ chances of making the Final Four.
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Laure led the charge with 12 points built on eight attacks, three service aces, and one block. She also contributed eight excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. Gandler added 12 points of her own, along with six excellent digs.
Solomon, returning from a one-game absence due to a left ankle injury sustained against Indonesia, chipped in 11 points in her return to action.
The Filipinas had a tight start in the opening set, with both teams locked at 8-all, but quickly pulled away. They went on a scorching 8-1 run, fueled by Clarisse Loresco and Laure, to take a 16-9 lead that New Zealand failed to overcome.
In the second set, New Zealand kept the pressure on and forced a 20-all tie late in the frame. However, Laure and Dell Palomata took charge down the stretch, each scoring twice in a 5-1 closing run that handed the Philippines a 2-0 set advantage.
Palomata finished with six points, while Fifi Sharma and Loresco — who made her debut for Alas Pilipinas — contributed five points apiece.
Shaina Nitura and Angel Canino sat out the match, while Bella Belen saw limited action.
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The Philippines faces its biggest challenge yet as it takes on unbeaten Kazakhstan at 11:30 AM tomorrow in a must-win match. A victory would secure one of the two semifinal slots in Pool B.
However, if Alas falls to Kazakhstan and Iran defeats Mongolia, the Filipinas will be eliminated from semifinal contention and relegated to the classification round.
Charlton Vail led New Zealand, which fell to 1-3 and exited the semis race, with 11 points, while Petra Manderson added nine.
