Alas Pilipinas Women at the 2026 AVC Women's Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur on June 7, 2026. AVC photo
CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Alas Pilipinas Women could not avoid collapse, losing to Australia, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15, in Day 2 of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup on Sunday at the Candon City Arena here.
“Lesson learned sa amin ‘to, and malaking tulong sa amin ‘to para sa mga susunod na games namin,” said interim head coach Shaq delos Santos.
“Ready naman ‘yung team, kailangan lang namin mag-recover mabuti and paghahandaan namin sila,” he added, referring to their next opponents.
The Alyssa Valdez-captained squad seemed to have found the groove — installing a 2-1 set lead, despite a slow start that saw them conceding the opener.
During Set 2, Alyssa Solomon showed why she played at the Japan SV.League — leading Alas’ 4-0 finishing kick through hard-hitting spikes, aided by a Thea Gagate ace, to steal the frame at 25-23.
Despite a dominant third set showing, they could not capitalize on the momentum in the next frames, as Australia forced a rubber set.
READ: AVC: Revamped Alas Pilipinas makes quick work of Uzbekistan for first win
Only a one point Australia lead in Set 5, 10-9, Chloe Walker, Ella Schabort, and Lara Maric all notched attacks that helped them pull away, installing a 13-9 advantage.
Valdez gave the Philippines the much-needed resuscitation with a kill, 13-10, but Kyle Negrito threw her service away, as it went wide, that put the Aussies on match point, 14-10.
Solomon added another point to her total, saving one match point, 14-11, but Maric was there for the off-the-block hit — from a successful challenge — that gave the visiting side the win.
With the loss, the Nationals fell to 1-1 in the tourney presented by the PSC, FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
Solomon finished with 23 points on 22 attacks and one block to lead all scorers. She did not play in the tournament opener, and made her first appearance on court during the 13-16 mark of the first frame.
Niña Ytang added 13 points on nine attacks, one block, and three aces, while Valdez chipped in 11 attack points.
Alas will face Kyrgyzstan tomorrow, June 8, hoping to bounce back in front of the home crowd.