Alas Pilipinas U16 braces for Chinese Taipei test in Final 8 of Asian championship

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Alas Pilipinas girls’ team opens its Final 8 campaign against unbeaten Chinese Taipei in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s U16 Championship on Wednesday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall in Amman, Jordan.

The national youth squad rides momentum from a breakthrough 25-21, 25-22, 25-22 victory over Iran that secured second place in Pool B, fueling its dream run as it faces Chinese Taipei at 6:30 p.m. (Philippine time).

Team captain Xyz Rayco, who powered Alas Pilipinas U16 with 13 points against Iran, vowed steady improvement as the team navigates its first international tournament. Rayco said they look to correct errors and raise their level as competition intensifies in the Final 8.

THE Alas Pilipinas girls team are a cheerful bunch—and so ar the Filipino fans in the background—after their victory over Iran. They are (front row, from lef) Nadeth Herbon, Megan Hernandez, Kimberly Peralta, Jhenica Sadia, Mischa Ambrocio, Princess Sajulga and Frances Ramos; and (back row, from (left) Hannah Grace De Luna (PT), Lerma Giron (assistant coach, Madele Gale, Xyz Rayco, Edwin Leyva (head coach), Oliver Balse (assistant Coach), Merish Beltran, Resty Jane Olaguir and Kristel Mirasol. [photo credit: PNVF]

Alas Pilipinas U16 enters loaded Pool F with Japan, Chinese Taipei and Thailand

Alas competes in Pool F alongside defending champion Japan, Chinese Taipei and Thailand. The top two teams advance to the semifinals, with carryover records affecting the standings.

The Philippines resumes play with a 0-1 card after its earlier loss to Japan, and shares identical positioning with Thailand, which dropped a four-setter to Chinese Taipei, 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23.

Chinese Taipei is bannered by standout scorer Chen Ting-Yi, who fired 24 points to complete a sweep of Pool D. Supporting her are Chan Tzu-Yun and Cheng Yung-Yu as they look to stay perfect.

Pool E features China (1-0), Hong Kong (1-0), Korea (0-1) and Uzbekistan (0-1).

Confidence and composure key for Philippines in Final 8 push

Alas U16 head coach Edwin Leyva urged his young roster featuring setter Resty Jane Olaguir, attackers Nadeth Herbon and Merish Beltran, middle blockers Madele Gale and Jhenica Sadia, and libero Frances Ramos to believe they can challenge Asia’s elite.

Leyva stressed that while competition remains fierce, every opponent is beatable with the right game plan and discipline. AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara also encouraged the squad following its historic win over Iran.

Alas Pilipinas U16 concludes its Final 8 slate against Thailand on Thursday at 4 p.m. (Philippine time).