![Sharina Rhayza Lleses led Alas Pilipinas with 15 points against Japan. [AVC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Untitled-design237-400x200.png)
Alas Pilipinas suffered a straight-sets loss to Japan in the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship despite a standout performance from 14-year-old Sharina Rhayza Lleses, setting up a must-win clash against Indonesia.
![Xyz Ellen Rayco led the Filipinas with a match-high 19 points. [AVC pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Untitled-design224-400x200.png)
The Philippines boosted its hopes of qualifying for the FIVB U19 World Championship after defeating Iran in four sets to open its AVC Girls’ U18 Championship campaign. Xyz Ellen Rayco starred as the young Filipinas earned a vital Pool C victory in Thailand.
The Philippines begins its AVC Girls’ U18 Championship campaign against defending Asian youth champion Iran before facing Japan and Indonesia in a challenging group stage. Fresh off a bronze-medal finish at the Princess Cup, the young Filipinas aim to build on their recent success in Thailand.