ALAS Pilipinas aced its opening assignment against Australia, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20, in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Bar Australia's late 7-1 run to steal the opening frame, chemistry wasn't too much of a problem as Sisi Rondina's ever-explosive offense set the tone for Alas' victorious first act. She fired 16 points built on 15 attacks and one ace with four excellent receptions.
Rondina's former University of Sto. Tomas cohort Eya Laure stood her ground with a joint-game-high 17 markers on 14 attacks, two aces and one block.
READ: Why Angel Canino is listed as opposite hitter in Alas roster
La Salle's championship-caliber aces also made all-important contributions led by player of the game Angel Canino (17 points), Thea Gagate (15 points) and Fifi Sharma who dazzled on both ends in front of 4,945 fans at the historic Manila venue.
The newly-assembled nationals avenged the country’s five-set heartbreak to the Volleyroos during the classification round in last year’s edition of the continental showpiece.
"It feels great, knowing especially that we didn't have a lot of preparation coming here today. As in, going to this game (against Australia), sabi namin na regardless of what happens, as long as we leave our best on the floor, okay kami sa kung ano man ang result. Thankfully, the win went our way," said team captain Jia de Guzman, who pitched in six points and nine excellent sets.
"The big reason talaga kaya nakuha namin yung win na 'to is team work kasi given na maikli lang 'yung time, 'yung preparation namin, pero nagawa namin 'to led by coaches, and ate Jia (de Guzman) talaga," Canino added.
Alas coach Jorge Souza de Brito held player rotations to a minimum in the one-hour, 59-minute contest as he opted to field his starting core for the most part. Only Vanie Gandler (one point) and libero Jen Nierva saw limited action off the bench.
The Philippines' four-day prelims stint continues on Friday versus fellow unbeaten side India that has won its first two matches against Iran and Chinese Taipei.
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