In a match that tested their mettle, Alas Pilipinas demonstrated the indomitable spirit Filipinos are known for, despite a tough 23-25, 21-25, 14-25 semifinal loss to Kazakhstan.
The game, which lasted just one hour and 31 minutes, showcased not only the team’s resilience but also their unwavering determination.
Team captain Jia De Guzman, a beacon of hope and encouragement, took pride in her team's performance.
“Sobrang proud ko talaga sa team. Wala akong ibang words for it kasi ramdam ko na lumalaban kahit dehado kami, kahit naghahabol kami, kahit mabilis kaming napupuntusan ng Kazakhstan," De Guzman remarked.
After the match, she spent nearly 20 minutes with fans who gathered at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, reflecting her dedication both on and off the court.
The first set highlighted the Filipinas' fighting spirit.
Trailing 10-21, they launched a remarkable comeback led by last-minute replacement Arah Panique, closing the gap to 22-23 before narrowly losing 23-25.
This relentless pursuit, even in the face of a formidable opponent, exemplified their tenacity.
Despite the setback, the Philippines has a historic opportunity ahead.
They will vie for the country’s first-ever medal in an Asian-level national team tournament in the Battle for Bronze against Australia.
In pool play, Alas already bested the Volleyroos, recovering from an initial set loss to win 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21.
Post-match, De Guzman’s message to her teammates was clear: keep playing, keep pushing.
The Denso import in the V.League emphasized the importance of perseverance, drawing parallels with Kazakhstan and Vietnam, both of whom faced similar struggles in their early days.
“Just keep playing. Just keep playing. Kahit anong mangyari, just keep playing. Manalo, matalo, may matutunan ka sa laro, may matututunan ka sa kalaban mo,” she told her team.
De Guzman cited the progress of Kazakhstan and Vietnam as inspiration, noting how these teams, once on the same level as the Philippines, continued to play and improve.
“Kazakhstan was on our level before, they just kept playing. Vietnam was on our level before, they just kept playing. So kami, ‘yun din ‘yung gagawin namin. Inaasahan namin na tuloy-tuloy pa rin ‘yung suporta para makalaro lang kami nang dire-diretso at maka-improve pa kami as a team.”
As Alas Pilipinas gears up for their crucial match against Australia, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation.
Win or lose, their journey has already become a testament to the resilience and heart of Filipino athletes.
