Alas Pilipinas Makes Strong Opening Statement with Sweep of Uzbekistan

Alas Pilipinas wasted little time silencing doubts surrounding its preparation, delivering a dominant straight-set victory over Uzbekistan, 25-16, 25-12, 25-14, to open its 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup campaign on Saturday at the Candon City Arena.

Despite entering the tournament with a roster finalized only weeks before the competition, the Filipinas quickly settled into form after a brief back-and-forth early in the opening set. From there, they dictated the pace and never looked back, securing an emphatic Pool A triumph.

The veteran trio of Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ces Molina provided stability and leadership for a squad missing several key players, including Alyssa Solomon. Their experience proved invaluable as Alas Pilipinas navigated its first match under interim head coach Shaq Delos Santos.

Having previously represented the country together during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, Valdez, Gonzaga, and Molina brought familiarity and composure to a team still developing its chemistry.

For Valdez, who suited up for the national team for the first time since 2023, the victory carried special significance.

“Napakasaya sa pakiramdam, we never really thought na we’re gonna go back here together,” said the team captain.

Valdez paced all scorers with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while also contributing eight excellent digs.

“But andito kami, so we’ll take this opportunity para makapag-share rin ng knowledge sa mga bata na nasa national team,” she added.

The 34-year-old Gonzaga backed her up with 12 points built on 10 attacks and two aces, while also tallying 13 excellent digs. National team newcomer Niña Ytang impressed in her debut, producing 12 points highlighted by four kill blocks.

Molina turned in a well-rounded effort with 11 points and 15 excellent digs, while Thea Gagate added eight markers as the Filipinas completed the sweep in just one hour and eight minutes.

Considering the challenges that accompanied the team’s buildup—including the absence of several established players amid issues surrounding the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation—the convincing victory served as an encouraging start to the campaign.

“Siyempre happy kami and proud sa team kasi siyempre alam niyo naman kung ano ‘yung mga pinagdaanan namin, but knowing them, especially ‘yung mga veteran player namin, ‘yung leadership, grabe ‘yung impact,” Delos Santos said.

Alas Pilipinas will look to carry its momentum into its next Pool A assignment against Australia on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

Uzbekistan was led by Malikakhon Tursunpulatova, who finished with 10 points and eight excellent digs. Zebokhon Absamatova contributed six points, while Dilnoza Boymirzaeva and Nigina Mirzaeva scored five apiece. The Uzbeks briefly held a 2-0 lead in the opening set before the Filipinas seized control and never relinquished it.