CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – South Korea showcased its class and firepower, handing Alas Pilipinas a 16-25, 18-25, 22-25 straight-sets loss that pushed the hosts to the brink of elimination in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Tuesday at the Candon City Arena.
Up against a South Korean squad that competed in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League less than a year ago, the Philippines put up a valiant stand in the third set but struggled to keep pace with its taller and more experienced opponents.
The Filipinas appeared poised to force a fourth set after building a 20-18 lead behind a strong Alyssa Solomon push, but Kang Sowhi Kang took over down the stretch, scoring four points in a decisive 6-0 run that swung momentum firmly to South Korea and pushed them to match point at 24-20.
Alas Pilipinas mounted one final stand as Ara Galang scored off the block and Niña Ytang denied Kang at the net to save two match points.
But Lee Juah delivered the match-clinching slide attack to seal South Korea’s victory, sending them into a share of the Pool A lead with Chinese Taipei at 3-0 in the tournament co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
“Sayang pero maganda naman yung nakipagsabayan kami, nakadikit kami. Effort lang yung sa last point, yun nga sayang,” said Galang, who helped spark the Philippines’ fightback in the third set as they went toe-to-toe with Chinese Taipei.
With the defeat, Alas Pilipinas dropped to 2-2 and must now beat Chinese Taipei in its final pool match to stay in contention for a semifinal berth.
Even then, the Filipinas will need other results to go their way, as their path to the top four is no longer fully in their control.
Thea Gagate led the Philippines for the second straight game with nine points on five attacks, three blocks, and one ace.
Niña Ytang added eight points, while Alyssa Valdez and Alyssa Solomon chipped in seven markers each in the one-hour, 14-minute defeat.
The Philippines will face Chinese Taipei on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
On the other hand, Kang paced South Korea with 19 points, while Lee and Na Hyunsoo contributed 12 points each.
