Alas Girls fall to Japan, face must-win clash with Indonesia

Alas Pilipinas absorbed its first defeat in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Girls' U18 Championship after bowing to unbeaten Japan, 20-25, 17-25, 24-26, on Thursday at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The loss dropped the Filipinas to 1-1 in Pool C, making their final preliminary-round match against Indonesia on Friday a crucial one in their bid to advance. Indonesia, which also entered the day without a win, was scheduled to face Iran later Thursday.

Despite the straight-set defeat, the Philippines showed grit in the third set, threatening to extend the match after mounting a late rally before Japan held its nerve to complete the sweep and improve to 2-0, securing a spot in the next round.

Head coach Karl Dimaculangan said his squad had its chances against one of Asia's volleyball powerhouses but failed to capitalize.

"We had many opportunities that we did not maximize. We know that Japan is tough, but we gave it our best," said Dimaculangan, who is assisted by Kenan Jairus Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang.

Sharina Lleses led the Filipinas with 15 points on 13 attacks, one block, and one service ace. Ella Gonzalvo added 10 points, all from attacks, while Ysabelle Cruz contributed seven points, highlighted by four attacks, two blocks, and one ace.

Lleses, the 14-year-old outside hitter from King's Montessori School in Quezon City, remained upbeat despite the setback as the team shifted its attention to its pivotal matchup against Indonesia.

"It was a good game. We fought hard. We tried to win, but there's still something missing. We will fight again tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll win," she said.

Lleses is among the young standouts who helped the Philippines qualify for the 2026 FIVB Girls' U17 World Championship in Chile, where she will be joined by Xyz Rayco, Jhaynna Bulandres, Princess Manzano, Irish Mahinay, and Frances Ramos.

Team manager Carmela Gamboa believes the experience gained from facing Japan will prove valuable for the team's development.

"Japan is always hard to beat, and being able to play against them is an opportunity. Our players are not used to facing a fast-paced team like Japan," Gamboa said. "They rallied toward the end, and it became a close game. They just fell short. Hopefully, they learn from this game and will be ready against Indonesia."

Rio Nishimura led Japan with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while Kadiatou Kaba added 12 points to help the Japanese complete the straight-set victory.