With aces up its sleeve, Alas whips Uzbekistan

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — More than two weeks ago, a group of brave souls responded to the call when Philippine volleyball sounded the alarm.

And it was for this very moment in this progressive city up North that these valiant ladies of Alas Pilipinas came forward.

With little preparation and amid the intramurals happening in the sport, the Filipinas rode solely on willpower as they routed the Uzbeks, 25-16, 25-12, 25-14, yesterday to jumpstart their bid in the AVC Volleyball Cup at the Candon City Arena here.

A trio of battle-tested stars came through as promised and turned back time with team captain Alyssa Valdez unloading a match-best 14 points and Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina scattering 12 and 11 hits, respectively, in this event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.

“We’re just happy to be here and share our knowledge for the younger players,” said Valdez.

Valdez, Gonzaga and Molina played as if it’s their last national team tour of duty and led the way for a practically retooled Alas squad that was decimated by player withdrawals just more than a month back.

“Personally, it’s a happy moment, it was just like 2019,” said Molina, referring to their failed medal bid in the Southeast Asian Games that year.

“If this is my last, I want to leave with beautiful memories,” said Gonzaga.

National team debutant Niña Ytang injected a dose of youth and, despite being overzealous at times, made a big impact by dropping 11 points.