CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – With Alas Pilipinas firmly in control en route to its second win, Cla Loresco got valuable playing time in the team’s straight-set domination of Kyrgyzstan in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Monday at the Candon City Arena here.
She made the most of the rare opportunity, staying engaged and contributing whenever called upon by interim head coach Shaq delos Santos as the Philippines completed a 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 victory for its second win.
The Far Eastern University standout, who had been part of previous iterations of Alas Pilipinas, is fully aware of her role in the squad. The team carries just three middle blockers, with her slotting in behind Thea Gagate and Niña Ytang in the rotation.
Prior to the win against Kyrgyzstan, Loresco had only seen action in one set across their first two matches in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City led by Mayor Eric Singson.
With limited opportunities on the floor, she has maintained a ready mindset, always prepared to step in and contribute whenever her number is called.
“Lagi lang po talaga akong ready, at kahit kailan naman po ako tawagin ni coach Shaq, ready na ready naman po ako,” said Loresco, who finished with four points in the match, including the set-clinching hit in the second frame.
Her previous stints with the national team — where she was often limited to training pool duties and only occasionally made the final lineup — helped prepare her for this moment.
Those experiences have shaped her readiness and patience, allowing her to stay composed and prepared whenever her opportunity comes.
Over time, she has learned the value of patience. And that let her trust that her time would come as long as she continued to put in the work.
“Sobrang laki po, as in super importante din po,” said Loresco, recalling her previous campaigns with the national team. “Kasi natutunan ko rin po kung paano magbigay ng patience sa sarili at sa performance.”
She has also taken advantage of every chance to learn from some of the team’s most decorated players, with veterans led by Alyssa Valdez, along with Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina, providing guidance and experience that continue to shape her growth.
“Lagi naman po akong humihingi ng advice sa mga Ates, at sobrang saya din po kasi nakasama ko rin po sila. Sobrang saya sa feeling kasi grabe yung binigay nilang laban para sa Pilipinas,” she said.
