Alas Pilipinas suffers narrow defeat to Iran, eyes rebound in coming games

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Alas Pilipinas suffered a heartbreaking five-set loss to Iran, 25-16, 21-25, 26-24, 23-25, 13-15, on Monday, June 9, at the Dong Anh Arena in Hanoi, putting the team in a must-win position to stay alive in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup semifinals race.

Brazilian head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito praised the team’s effort in the tight contest, admitting the Iranians just played better when it mattered most.

“We had the chance to lead in the fifth set but it’s the game—they played good and deserved the win,” de Brito said. “My players did their best as they can.”

Now holding a 2-1 win-loss record, the world No. 47-ranked Alas Pilipinas must defeat higher-ranked teams New Zealand (No. 29) on Thursday and Kazakhstan (No. 29) on Friday, both in Pool B, to advance.

Despite a tough 5-set loss to Iran, coach de Brito says Alas Pilipinas will keep fighting hard in the AVC Nations Cup. [AVC Nations Cup photo]

“We’re going to improve and we still have a chance so we will fight for this and be ready for New Zealand and Kazakhstan,” de Brito said. “The mindset is still the same, it’s always fight hard because the result will come if you keep on playing hard.”

Kazakhstan remains unbeaten with a 3-0 record, while New Zealand has yet to secure a win after two losses.

“Tomorrow, we just take a little rest and prepare for New Zealand and then go to Kazakhstan,” said de Brito, referring to Wednesday’s rest day for the team.

Since the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, assumed leadership in 2021, Alas Pilipinas has made remarkable progress in the FIVB rankings—from No. 156 in 2021 to No. 47 this year.

Star player Angel Canino led the team with 21 points from 17 kills, two blocks, and two aces, while Eya Laure contributed 16 points with 12 kills, three blocks, and an ace. The team played without Alyssa Solomon, sidelined due to a left ankle sprain sustained in Sunday’s win over Indonesia.

“Tough match,” Canino said. “But we learned a lot from this loss and this will help us grow as a team and as individuals.”

For Iran, Chermahini scored 21 points, Masi Tabaghdehi added 16, and Zahra Salehi, who blocked Canino’s crucial attempt, finished with 12 points. Iran improved to a perfect 3-0, sharing the top spot with Kazakhstan, who also won on Monday.

Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, making the upcoming matches critical for Alas Pilipinas.