Alas Pilipinas fell just short of stunning Asian volleyball royalty on Wednesday, Sept. 16, dropping a 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 decision to China. The defeat came in the women’s volleyball opener at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

The Filipinas rattled the nine-time continental champions at Okazaki Sogo Park, refusing to fold despite the lopsided final score. Their grit fired up a small but vocal band of Filipino fans in the stands.

Nationals Level China at 20-All Before Falling in Set Two

The second set produced the night’s best drama as Alas Pilipinas clawed all the way back to tie China at 20-20. The Nationals fed off the energy of Filipino fans chanting “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” inside the arena.

China’s class ultimately prevailed as Tang Xin teamed with Zhuang Yushan and Wang Aoqian to shut the door. Tang led China’s attack with 19 points, including eight in the pivotal second set.

Zhuang and Wang combined for 30 points as China leaned on its attacking depth to close out the frame. The Philippines still walked away with a moral victory in the eyes of many onlookers.

Alas Pilipinas Turns Focus to Do-or-Die Clash With Kazakhstan

Despite the straight-set defeat, Alas Pilipinas head coach Taka Minowa, the husband of Filipina volleyball star Jaja Santiago, said he was pleased with his team’s showing. “I’m happy,” Minowa told reporters after the match.

Minowa called the outing “a good warm-up” for the Nationals, who only need a win over Kazakhstan on Thursday to reach the knockout stage. Kazakhstan finished runner-up to Vietnam in the 2024 AVC Nations Cup.

Angel Canino topped the Philippine scoring column with 14 points, while Eya Laure chipped in 10. Alyssa Solomon added nine markers, and Bella Belen and Shaina Nitura were held to a single point apiece.

Despite their modest offensive numbers, Belen and Nitura still drew loud cheers from the crowd for their hustle. Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon Suzara likewise praised the Nationals, calling their performance “impressive.”