Alas Pilipinas made history on a rainy Saturday evening, securing their maiden semifinals berth in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
Despite facing a tight schedule and limited prep time, the Philippines showcased its prowess in a dazzling display against Iran, commanding the court with a resounding 25-16, 25-13, 25-15 victory in front of a packed Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
This triumph not only propelled them to the brink of a flawless Pool A sweep but also marked their highest-ever finish in the Challenge Cup, a stark contrast to their previous seventh-place finish and absence in the inaugural edition.
For Coach Jorge Souza de Brito, the dilemma lay not in the talent of his players but in the selection of the starting lineup, a testament to the depth and skill within the squad.
“All these players here are really good. The question you have day by day is who will you play,” said Alas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
The decision to shuffle starters, introducing Vanie Gandler, Cherry Nunag, and Jen Nierva, proved fruitful as the team seamlessly executed their game plan, stifling Iran's efforts and clinching victory in straight sets.
Amidst the exhilarating play, Vanie Gandler emerged as a pivotal figure, transitioning from a service specialist to a potent offensive force, tallying nine crucial points in the match.
“To be honest, with the preparation we had, we didn't really put much expectation, but I always knew that this team would fight, so I'm not surprised that every game, everyone poured their hearts out,” said Gandler.
Faith Nisperos, entering the fray late, sealed the deal with a flourish, unleashing a flurry of decisive blows to secure the win and ignite the home crowd's fervor.
With their sights set on a perfect group stage, Alas Pilipinas gears up for a showdown against Chinese Taipei, poised to extend their unbeaten streak and cement their dominance in the pool stages.
Leading the charge once more, Angel Canino showcased her scoring prowess with a stellar 16-point performance, ably supported by the dynamic Sisi Rondina, who had 12 points.
As the dust settles, Iran regroups for a crucial clash against Australia, determined to revive their semifinals aspirations and keep their tournament hopes alive.
Aytak Salamat led the Iranian charge with 10 points, while Elaheh Poorsaleh added seven.
