MANAMA, BAHRAIN – The Philippines’ girls’ volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, overcame a shaky second set to secure a place in the Final Four of the Asian Youth Games, defeating Chinese Taipei, 25-16, 20-25, 25-16, 25-18, on Sunday at Isa Sports City.

Led by coaches Sam Cantada and Rhose Almendralejo, the team regained composure after a tense second set that lasted 30 minutes, finishing the match in one hour and 47 minutes. Rihanna Cris Navarro highlighted the team’s determination. “Pinagtrabahuhan po talaga namin. Kailangan po namin umangat sa top four para makakuha po kami ng gold,” she said. Navarro also expressed confidence ahead of a semifinal clash with unbeaten Iran.

Philippine boxing, weightlifting, and taekwondo results

In boxing, Leo Mhar Lobrido claimed a semifinal berth in the boys’ light flyweight category after a hard-fought victory over Sri Lanka’s Binul Dulnada Dewasiri Narayana. The win ensures Lobrido at least a bronze medal.

Princess Jay Ann Diaz lifted 78 kg in the girls’ 44-kg clean and jerk to earn a bronze medal, while Jay-r Colonia secured bronze in the boys’ 56-kg clean and jerk with a lift of 137 kg. Other Filipino competitors, including Shairylle Pores, bowed out in earlier rounds.

In taekwondo, Matt Rejhan Lavestre and Chuck Aeron Alariao both reached the quarterfinals in the boys’ -55 kg and -63 kg divisions, respectively. Pinar Lotfizadeh Gabalou of Iran defeated Ej Gaa in the girls’ -63 kg quarterfinals.

Table tennis and cycling highlights

In table tennis, John Marin and Jannaj Alarcon advanced past Mongolia in the mixed doubles round of 64, but other Filipino players, including Marin, Paculba, Quindo, and Alarcon, exited in subsequent singles rounds.

On the cycling track, Maria Louisse Crisselle Alejado finished the girls’ Individual Time Trial in 18:53.40, placing behind Kazakhstan’s Anel Tashbay (17:06.05) and China’s Xing Aofei (18:25.43).

The Philippines continues to demonstrate strong performances across multiple sports, with Alas Pilipinas leading the way in girls’ volleyball heading into the semifinals.