Alas Pilipinas Girls impressed in their continental debut after pushing defending champion Japan in a spirited 17-25, 25-21, 16-25, 20-25 loss in the Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship at Princess Sumaya Hall in Amman, Jordan.

Xyz Rayco and Nadeth Herbon showcased composure and talent on the international stage, scoring nine points each in the second set to tie the match and ignite the Filipino crowd, including Overseas Filipino Workers and Philippine volleyball officials led by PNVF president Ramon Tats Suzara and Ambassador Wilfredo Santos.

Rayco, Herbon spark fearless stand as Japan takes four-set win

Despite yielding the third set, the young Filipinas continued to battle and surged ahead 12-9 in the fourth after a Madele Gale ace. Japan tightened up down the stretch as Ren Sugimoto, Miko Takahashi and Rina Hayasaka rallied the defending champions, with Hayasaka delivering back-to-back kills to secure the win in Pool B.

Team captain Rayco vowed continued improvement, saying they will apply lessons learned from their training stint in Japan as they fight for a quarterfinal berth. Japan coach Daichi Saegusa also praised the Filipinas, particularly setter Resty Jane Olaguir, noting the tough challenge the Philippines posed.

Leyva lauds team chemistry as Philippines eyes must-win match vs Iran

Alas U16 coach Edwin Leyva credited the squad for building chemistry quickly despite coming from different regions across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Leyva lauded their defense and teamwork, saying every player contributed in the opener.

He added that the team only lacked a bit of energy and experience but showed they have the tools to compete at the highest level. The Philippines now turns its focus to a must-win match against Iran at 11 p.m. (Philippine time) as it pursues a quarterfinal spot.