MANILA – Alas Pilipinas continued its blazing start in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women after a dominant 25-16, 25-13, and 25-15 straight-set victory over Iran on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Negrense Angel Canino spearheaded the offense with 16 points, on 11 attacks, three service aces, and two blocks, while Cherry Rondina added 12 markers as Alas Pilipinas secured a semifinals seat with its 3-0 win-loss record in Pool A.
“I think ang ma-expect nila sa team is to do even better, kung anuman ang mga mistakes na nagawa namin in our previous games, pipilitin naming ma-lessen ‘yun,” Canino said. “Siyempre, habang tumatagal ‘yung tournament, mas bumibigat ‘yung kalaban.”
Vanessa Gandler and Cherry Nunag combined for 13 points as they earned the starting nod for the Jorge Edson Souza de Brito-mentored Alas Pilipinas in lieu of Eya Laure and Thea Gagate.
“It’s a big privilege for me to be part of the national team; lalo na itong batch na ito kasi ang ganda talaga ng performance namin,” Nunag said. “’Yung mga bata, nakakatuwa talaga kasi nakaka-proud sila.”
With Gandler and Nunag anchoring the offense, Alas Pilipinas opened the first set with an 18-11 lead. Iran managed to cut the deficit to 14-20, but the Philippines responded with a 5-2 blast to clinch the set.
Alas Pilipinas continued their run in the second set as they opened up a 15-8 lead after a crosscourt hit by Canino. More conversions from Canino allowed Team Philippines to establish a double-digit edge.
Team Philippines kicked off the third frame with an 8-2 run following attacks from Canino and Nunag. The lead grew further to double digits en route to their first sweep win of the competition.
“All these guys here, they are very good but the question is who will play so what I do is scatter my players, they are very good, I am proud of them,” De Brito said. “We have to keep the national team playing strong and consistent.”
“About semifinals, it can be Kazakhstan or Vietnam, it will depend on the outcome of Sunday games, but regardless, it will be tough match and will be really good for the fans because we need to play against the higher level teams than us,” he added./PN
