By MARK REY MONTEJO
Heartbreaking as it seemed, Alas Pilipinas needs to get its act together and move on if it wants to remain in the podium hunt at the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.
After suffering a shock five-set defeat to the Iranians last Monday, June 9, the Nationals, who dropped to third spot with a 2-1 slate in Pool B standings, must hurdle their next two assignments – New Zealand (0-2) on Wednesday and Kazakhstan (3-0) the following day – to stay in contention.
They have pretty good chances against the Kiwis, but against the Kazakhs, they need to come up with an extra ordinary effort to prevail.
Then if things go its way, Alas Pilipinas could be the potential semis rival of reigning champion Vietnam or Chinese Taipei, which are both currently leading Pool A.
With that aim, Alas veterans Jia De Guzman and Dawn Catindig should show the way along with hitters Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and debutant Shai Nitura.
De La Salle star Canino, for her part, has to continue her scoring production after her third straight game with double-digit output.
Laure, Belen, and Gandler should deliver what is expected from them.
Defensive stoppers Fifi Sharma, Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, and Jen Nierva must also step up authoritatively as Alyssa Solomon remains doubtful due to an ankle injury she sustained in their game against Indonesia.
