Alas Pilipinas misses U18 AVC quarterfinals after loss to Indonesia

Alas Pilipinas saw its bid for a quarterfinal berth come to an end after falling to Indonesia, 25-22, 25-13, 28-26, on Friday in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Girls' U18 Championship at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Facing a must-win match to keep its knockout-round hopes alive, the Filipinas battled hard throughout the contest and mounted a determined challenge in the third set before Indonesia completed the straight-set victory in one hour and 32 minutes.

Ella Gonzalvo paced the Philippines with 12 points, highlighted by 10 attacks and two service aces, while Xyz Rayco contributed 10 points on nine attacks and one block.

Sharina Lleses added eight points, and Adeleine Agustin chipped in six for the Filipinas, who entered the tournament with momentum after capturing the bronze medal at the Princess Cup.

"I can say that we played good today, but Indonesia played better. We have to move on from this loss and focus on our next game," said head coach Karl Dimaculangan, who is assisted by Kenan Jairus Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang.

The defeat dropped the Philippines to third place in Pool C with a 1-2 record. Japan topped the group with a perfect 3-0 slate, while Indonesia secured second place at 2-1 as both teams advanced to the quarterfinals. Iran finished last in the pool at 0-3.

"I'm sure the girls felt bad because they played against Indonesia in the Princess Cup. The Indonesians really prepared to beat us," team manager Carmela Gamboa said.

Indonesia was led by Khanza Ganeshi, who scored 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks. Team captain Tina Salim matched that output with 14 points, all coming from attacks.

"Defense is the key to our victory. The commitment is there. We did better in reception and blocking," Indonesia head coach Hasan Angga said.

"The Filipino players are very good, but I am confident that we can beat them," he added.

Although their quarterfinal hopes have ended, Alas Pilipinas will continue its campaign in the classification phase of the tournament.

The competition's four semifinalists will earn spots in next year's FIVB Girls' U19 World Championship, with the host nation yet to be announced.