The Alas Pilipinas girls may have run out of runway in Pool B, but their historic FIVB U17 World Championship debut still has another chapter to write.
After beating Tunisia and Mexico, the Filipinas dropped consecutive matches to Peru and Venezuela, following an opening-day loss to defending champion China. The defeats left Alas fourth in Pool B, but hardly out of the tournament. Because the top four teams from each pool advance, the Philippine youngsters earned a Round-of-16 ticket and a daunting date with unbeaten South Korea.
South Korea topped Pool D, going unbeaten against Italy, Chinese Taipei, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Algeria. But this is no battle of giants. The Koreans are not particularly imposing at the net, with their tallest player standing at about 6 feet. Their edge lies elsewhere, in quick movement, tactical discipline, and the ability to keep opponents guessing.
That also gives Alas a possible opening. South Korea’s net defense can become vulnerable when its taller players rotate into the back row, potentially giving the Filipinas opportunities to attack the spaces they leave behind.
For coach Edwin Leyva’s 14-player squad, the crossover is less about the odds and more about extending a remarkable first appearance on the world stage.
The Alas roster includes five players from UAAP defending champion NU Nazareth School, including 15-year-old Xyz Rayco and Jhaynna Bulandres. Rayco, one of the team’s tallest players at 5-foot-10, erupted for 19 points against Venezuela, while Bulandres, who stands 5-foot-9, added eight.
Sixteen-year-old Caera Celis of St. John’s Institute in Bacolod City has emerged as another offensive spark. The 5-foot-8 opposite hitter scored 24 points against Venezuela, including 22 attacks and two aces.
Rayco’s 5-foot-10 NU teammate Princess Khaira Manzano gives the Filipinas another option at the net.
Whatever happens against South Korea, Alas is already assured of the highest placing ever by a Philippine youth volleyball team at a world championship. A win would turn a historic debut into something considerably more memorable.
