CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – Interim head coach Shaq delos Santos explained his decision to sit out Alyssa Solomon in Alas Pilipinas’ opening-day victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Saturday.
Delos Santos said the team is still working to fully integrate Solomon, who joined the squad after pulling out of the Premier Volleyball League Draft just days before the continental tilt.
“Ni-re-ready namin kasi siyempre galing siya doon sa matagal na bakasyon,” said Delos Santos, who is filling in for head coach Tai Bundit, who is still recovering from a car accident in Thailand.
Despite Solomon’s absence, Alas Pilipinas still came away with a commanding 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 victory over Uzbekistan to open its campaign.
The Philippines rode a balanced offensive attack, led by team captain Alyssa Valdez and boosted by Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, and young standout Niña Ytang, in the win that gave them the early lead in Pool A of the tournament co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, and the City Government of Candon, led by Mayor Eric Singson.
Valdez led the way with a team-high 14 points and eight excellent digs for Alas Pilipinas. Gonzaga finished with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions in an impressive two-way showing, while Ytang capped her much-anticipated debut with 12 points built on eight attacks and four blocks.
Molina added 11 points and 15 excellent digs in the 68-minute victory.
Delos Santos said the coaching staff remains open to reshuffling the starting unit, stressing that Solomon’s opportunity will come and that they are confident she is ready when called upon.
“At ang good thing ay sobrang ready siyang maglaro, pero ang gusto lang namin ay mas lalo siyang ma-prepare at ‘yung jelling niya sa team. Pero wala namang problema, on and off the court,” said the former Cignal coach.
“Pero halos lahat naman puwedeng mag-perform. May mga players tayo na alam naman nating kaya pang tumulong sa team. Ang sinasabi lang namin ay kailangan ng tulong-tulong kasi every day talaga ‘yung game.”
