Herbon’s libero switch fuels Alas Girls’ historic World Championship win

A tactical adjustment by the Alas Pilipinas Girls coaching staff helped the Philippines secure its first-ever victory in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship after defeating Mexico, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, on Saturday (Manila time).

Following their opening-day loss to China, the Philippine coaching staff moved wing spiker Nadeth Herbon to libero in an effort to strengthen the team’s defense and improve its passing.

The adjustment immediately paid off as Herbon provided stability in the back row, helping Alas Pilipinas improve its transition game and create better opportunities for its attackers.

Caera Celis once again led the Philippine offense with 24 points, including 22 attacks, one block, and one ace. Xyz Rayco added 15 points from 12 attacks, two aces, and one block.

Jhaynna Bulandres contributed 10 points, highlighted by seven attacks and three aces, while Madele Gale anchored the net defense with five of the team’s eight blocks.

The victory improved Alas Pilipinas to 1-1 in Pool B and marked the country’s first-ever win in the Girls U17 World Championship. The team also became only the second Philippine squad to win a match at a world championship, following the Bryan Bagunas-led men’s team’s achievement at last year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

The historic result reached Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas? [Correction: Philippine volleyball officials] Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who was attending the Asian Volleyball Confederation Congress at the Grand Four Wings Hotel.

“This is a breakthrough for the country, a victory on the world stage,” said Suzara, who shared the result with FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and former president Ary Graca.

China currently leads Pool B with a 2-0 record, while the Philippines, Mexico, Venezuela, and Peru are tied at 1-1. Tunisia remains winless at 0-2. The top four teams advance to the next round.

Alas Pilipinas will face Tunisia next before taking a break. The team returns against Peru on Monday before closing the pool stage against Venezuela on Tuesday.

“We’re not looking too far ahead, but this win shows that the program works, and the girls have shown they can hold their own on the world stage,” said Alas Pilipinas U17 team manager Karl Chan.

Coach Edwin Leyva said the move to shift Herbon to libero was made to maximize her defensive instincts and energy.

Although Herbon showed offensive potential against China, the coaching staff believed her ability to stabilize reception and defense could have a bigger impact on the team.

Herbon shared libero responsibilities with Frances Ramos early in the match, while Taj Tevez moved into the offensive rotation.

Despite playing an unfamiliar role, Herbon quickly adapted and even contributed by helping create scoring opportunities for Celis and Bulandres.

“It was a tense ride, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I needed to do,” Herbon said.

“I’m happy because I think I did what was needed on the court. I’m happy my teammates are pleased with the result. I’ll embrace this role all the way to the end,” she added.