For the first time ever at the continental level, the Philippines has earned a podium finish in women’s volleyball.
Despite doubts due to their limited preparation time, Alas Pilipinas bagged bronze in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, dominating Australia, 25-23, 25-15, 25-7, in the battle for third on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
“Really, I’m happy and I’m grateful,” said Philippines head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
“I have no words to express how happy I am. Not just for myself, but for these guys. I told them at the beginning they deserve a lot. They really deserve it.
He went on, “They fight every single day, since they were really young, to make history here. And now history has been made because of them, because they trusted themselves today. They came through.”
The Volleyroos managed to recover from an 11-18 deficit in the first set, closing the gap to 23-24. However, Sisi Rondina delivered from the back row to secure the frame for Alas.
From there, the Nationals were unstoppable.
Alas relied on the outside-opposite tandem of Eya Laure and Angel Canino for a runaway 25-15 result in the second set.
Laure and Thea Gagate then led the team to a commanding 16-6 lead in the third set, which proved insurmountable for the Australians.
The Philippines finished the match with eight straight points punctuated by a Rondina crosscourt kill.
Canino was once again at the forefront of Alas’ attack with 14 points on 13-of-24 spikes and one service ace, capping a majestic tournament in the opposite position.
Rondina fired 13, including back-to-back aces in the opening stanza. Meanwhile, Laure and Gagate got 10 points apiece, with the latter also converting three blocks.
Fifi Sharma also joined the party with seven points.
Jia De Guzman showcased her brilliance once again for the Philippines’ balanced offense.
Australia, which had already met its goal when it reached the semis, finished fourth.
Caitlin Tipping was the lone bright spot for the Volleyroos with 13 points.
