Alas Pilipinas Girls finally claimed their first win in the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship with a 26-24, 15-25, 25-19, 25-22 victory over India in the 9th to 13th classification round on Thursday evening at the Ratchaburi Gymnasium in Thailand.
The trio of wing spikers Denesse Daylisan, Jaila Adrao, and Akeyla Bartolabac led the Nationals to the four-set triumph over the Indians, who also went winless in their group against Chinese Taipei, Australia, and South Korea.
Daylisan unleashed 22 points on 20 attacks and two service aces, while Adrao added 14 points on 12 spikes, a block, and an ace.
Bartolabac contributed 12 points, and Avrril Bron chipped in 10 points, including a game-best three blocks.
After India won the second set by 10 points, the Akari-backed Alas regrouped and came out blazing, opening the third frame 9-3 and never looking back as Daylisan, along with middle blockers Bron and Lianne Penuliar, delivered the goods for a 25-19 tally and a 2-1 set lead.
In the fourth set, the Philippines showed their ability to remain within striking distance before a strong finish secured the victory.
With the Indians holding a 19-17 advantage, Penuliar, Adrao, Bron, and Daylisan joined forces for an 8-3 run, clinching Alas’ first win.
Nationals head coach Taka Minowa also made a clutch decision, calling a block touch challenge after Isha Bose’s attack was called a check ball. After the review, the challenge was successful, as none of the Filipinos touched the ball on its way out.
Despite committing seven more errors than their foes, the Philippines dominated the spiking and service departments, 60-52 and 8-3, respectively.
Alas will play for ninth place on Saturday at 5:30 PM (Manila time) against the winner of the Hong Kong-Australia matchup on Friday.
Middle blocker Mahak Singh paced India with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, while team captain Prathiba Ganesan contributed 13 points.
The Philippines went winless in pool play, absorbing losses against Iran (20-25, 19-25, 20-25) and Japan (5-25, 16-25, 14-25) to fall to the classification round.
