Alas belles fall to Taiwan

CANDON, Ilocos Sur , Philippines —  There are no shortcuts to success.

Alas Pilipinas knew that before landing in this northern city, two weeks after the squad was retooled.

The Filipinas’ semifinal bid ended Wednesday after falling to a more battle-tested Taiwan, 25-16, 25-14, 25-10, in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup at Candon City Arena.

“We were checked, maybe because we only had two weeks of preparation and they’re also a more veteran team,” Alas captain Alyssa Valdez said. The Philippines ended pool play with a 2-3 record.

“We’re veterans too, but we need more quality time together,” she added.

Despite the loss, Valdez remains optimistic about the team’s future, especially the younger players.

“These young players will accomplish many things,” she said.

The team battled through multiple setbacks: intramurals in Philippine volleyball, player withdrawals from most former members, and the loss of head coach Tai Bundit, who suffered an ankle injury in a motorcycle accident in Bangkok.

“We fought and learned a lot,” interim coach Shaq delos Santos said.