Alas downs Iran to open AVC U-18 bid

MANILA, Philippines -- Alas Pilipinas opened its world championship bid after it waylaid Iran, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, on Wednesday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Girls’ Under-18 Championships at the Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The Filipinas, composed mainly of players from reigning Palarong Pambansa champion National University, needed to dig deep to survive the feisty Iranians in posting their first win in this weeklong meet that stakes four spots to the World U19 Championship next year at a still undetermined venue.

But for it to happen, the Nationals would need to at least finish in the top two in their bracket, which in this case is Pool C where they are also grouped with powerhouse Japan and Southeast Asian rival Indonesia, and hurdle whoever they face in the quarters.

And this triumph over Iran puts Alas, sent by the Philippine Olympic Committee and bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, in the right direction.

Xyz Ellen Rayco led the way with 19 points on 14 kills, three blocks and two service aces, while Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo scattered 15 hits that she laced with 12 spikes and two aces. Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Adelaine Terese Agustin added nine points apiece for the team, which recently nailed a bronze medal in the 23rd Princess Cup also staged in Korat.

"We had expected Iran to play well, they beat us in the semifinal at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain,” said Alas coach Rey Karl Dimaculangan. "We need to be more focused on the game and be more aggressive, especially on the floor."

Interestingly, six of the members of this same squad — Rayco, Bulandres, Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Irish May Mahinay and Frances Dianne Ramos — are wading into battle in the FIVB World Girls’ U17 Championships slated August 6-16 in Chile.

In other results, Kazakhstan clobbered Hong Kong, 25-3, 25-23, 25-15, in Pool B; Australia downed Uzbekistan, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19, in Pool A; and South Korea drubbed India, 25-14, 25-18, 25-16.