Alas Pilipinas Girls at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship. AVC Photo
MANILA — Alas Pilipinas Girls made history on Saturday night, stopping Thailand in the AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship, 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22, to secure fifth place and a spot in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.
The Philippines will be joining defending champion China, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan as Asian teams in the Worlds tournament.
Team captain Xyz Rayco paved the way for that fifth-place finish—the country's best result in the tournament—firing the young squad's last three points to have a total of 30 points on 25 kills, four blocks and an ace.
READ: AVC: Alas Girls sweep Hong Kong to fight for 5th place
“I’m inspired because I’m still young, but I’ve already come this far and I know there’s still a higher level waiting for me,” said Rayco.
Nadeth Herbon came through with 16 points, while middle blocker Madele Gale added 11, including five kill blocks.
It was the Alas Girls' way of redeeming themselves after succumbing to the Thais in the quarterfinals.