By: Czarina Agaton
Alas Pilipinas Women fell to Saga Hisamitsu once again in straight sets, 14-25, 21-25, 19-25, concluding their campaign in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Despite the loss, the Philippines showed composure and resilience, with Sisi Rondina and Bella Belen leading the charge and keeping the set scores competitive. However, the depth and well-rounded play of the eight-time Japan V.League champions proved too much for Alas Pilipinas.
“Yung Japan team po kasi talagang kilala sila as a power team talaga, we’re very happy kasi nakaexperience po kami ng ganung klaseng laro,” said NU standout Bella Belen. “I think marami pa kami kailangang maimprove and kailangan lahat ng natutunan namin dito madala namin sa next training namin.”
Saga Hisamitsu displayed their mastery on the court with a six-point streak, eventually broken by a block from Thea Gagate at 8-12. However, Alas Women struggled with floor defense, leading to a loss in the opening set.
The Philippines found their rhythm in the second set, taking a 16-12 lead, but the Springs responded with a 13-5 run to secure a two-set advantage.
A block from Fifi Sharma kept the Philippines close at 16-19 in the third set, but Saga Hisamitsu’s championship pedigree emerged late in the match, completing their second consecutive sweep of the Philippines.
“Masaya ako kasi syempre nabigyan kami ng opportunity na makalaro sa high-caliber na tournament and talagang we did our best,” said Alas team captain and libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig.
With the national team window closing, the training pool of Alas Women will return to their commercial and collegiate teams to prepare for the upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference and UAAP Season 87 collegiate women’s volleyball tournament.
Following the Invitationals, the Drawing of Lots for the 2025 FIVB World Championship, which will be held in the Philippines, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Solaire Resort Hotel.
