The Philippines made a statement in its opening match of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Girls’ U18 Championship, battling past Iran in four hard-fought sets to keep its hopes of reaching next year’s FIVB U19 World Championship alive. The young Filipinas showed resilience and composure in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, overcoming a second-set setback to secure a crucial Pool C victory.

Powered by another impressive all-around performance from Xyz Ellen Rayco, the Philippines defeated Iran, 29-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, on Wednesday, July 1, at Terminal 21 Hall. The victory gives the Filipinas valuable momentum as they prepare for even tougher tests against Japan and Indonesia in the group stage.

Rayco Leads Philippines to Statement Win

Rayco paced the Philippine attack with 19 points, tallying 14 kills, three blocks and two aces in the one-hour, 50-minute match. Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo provided strong support with 15 points, including 12 kills and two aces, as the Filipinas capitalized on key moments in the final two sets.

Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Adelaine Terese Agustin added nine points apiece for the Philippines, which entered the tournament fresh off a bronze medal finish at the Princess Cup.

Iran was led by Sana Naghipour, who scored 15 points, including 13 kills, while Setayesh Nasr Esfahani also finished with 15 points behind eight attacks and two aces.

“We had expected Iran to play well; they beat us in the semifinal at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain,” head coach Rey Karl Dimaculangan said.

Dimaculangan is assisted by Keenan Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang as the Philippines continues its campaign in Thailand.

Bigger Challenges Lie Ahead

The Philippines will next face Japan at 10 a.m. Thursday before taking on Indonesia at 4 p.m. Friday, with every match carrying added significance in the race for a place in the knockout stage.

Despite opening the tournament with a confidence-boosting victory, Dimaculangan stressed that his young squad still has room for improvement.

“We need to be more focused on the game and be more aggressive, especially on the floor,” he said.

Much of the Philippine roster comes from 2026 Palarong Pambansa champion National University, while Sharina Rhayza Lleses represents King’s Montessori of Quezon City and Gonzalvo plays for Adamson University.

Six members of the squad—Rayco, Bulandres, Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Irish May Mahinay and Frances Dianne Ramos—are also part of the Philippine team that qualified for the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship in Chile from Aug. 6-16.

The stakes remain high throughout the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship, with the tournament’s four semifinalists earning spots in next year’s FIVB U19 World Championship. After clearing its opening hurdle against Iran, the Philippines now turns its attention to another major test as it looks to build on its strong start and continue its pursuit of a place among Asia’s best.