Alas Pilipinas Women had their chances but ultimately couldn’t secure the win.
The Philippines suffered its first defeat in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup, losing in a heart-wrenching five-set battle against Iran at the Doang Anh Gymnasium, with final scores of 25-16, 21-25, 26-24, 23-25, 13-15.
Alas star Angel Canino lamented the missed opportunity to remain undefeated in the continental tournament but emphasized that the team still gained valuable lessons from the match.
“Tough match sa team namin kasi we also want to win this match, and at the same time we’ve learned so much. So kung ano man ang natutunan namin, maybe it will help us grow more as a team and as individuals,” Canino told One Sports.
The De La Salle University main gunner once again led the Philippines in scoring, putting up 20 crucial points through 17 spikes, two blocks, and an ace — though it wasn’t enough to push the team to victory.
Now sitting solo third in Pool B with a 2-1 record — trailing undefeated Iran and Kazakhstan, who are both 3-0 — Alas Pilipinas faces must-win situations in its final two elimination round games.
Head coach Jorge de Brito expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort, knowing that the Philippines can only improve from here.
“We had the chance to lead in the fifth set, but it’s the game they played good [and] they deserved the win. My players did their best as they could,” said the Brazilian tactician.
“We’re going to improve and we still have a chance, so we will fight for this and be ready for New Zealand and Kazakhstan.”
All participating teams will have a rest day on Tuesday before resuming play on Wednesday, when Alas Pilipinas will take on New Zealand, followed by a clash with defending champion Kazakhstan.
For De Brito, the team’s approach remains unchanged — from Day 1, the goal has always been to play hard for the country.
“The mindset is still the same, it’s always fight hard because the result will come if you keep on playing hard.”
