Alas Pilipinas beats Uzbekistan in sweeping debut at AVC Women’s Cup
Alyssa Valdez (2) and Alas Pilipinas celebrate during a game against Uzbekistan in the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — It felt like 2019 all over again, with captain Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ces Molina leading Alas Pilipinas’ offense.
Valdez, Molina, and Gonzaga gave Alas Pilipinas a winning start in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup with a 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 sweep of Uzbekistan in Pool A on Saturday at Candon City Arena here.
They last played together in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila and are now reunited with interim coach Shaq Delos Santos to lead a younger core.
READ: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026: what to know
The veteran trio, who heeded the country’s call amid the ex-core players’ withdrawals and recent issues with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), proved that they still got it when it comes to the international stage.
Valdez, who last played for the national team three years ago, made an impressive comeback with 14 points off 11 spikes, two blocks, and an ace to lead the new-look squad.
“We’re just happy we got the win today, but there are a lot of lapses; we have to correct for the next few games,” said Valdez. “I just wanna say thank you. We’re so grateful for all the seniors and veterans of the team. We look up to them. They are our inspiration. And also our reserves over them. They are also our motivation in today’s game.”Gonzaga, the Philippines’ oldest player at 34, remained one of the country’s reliable scorers with 12 points, while Molina chipped in 11.
READ: Alyssa Valdez ready to serve again for Alas Pilipinas in AVC tilt
Niña Ytang also turned heads in her Alas debut with 12 points off eight kills and four blocks. Kyle Negrito ran the offense, while liberos Kyla Atienza and Alyssa Eroa took turns in protecting the floor.
Thea Gagate added eight points, as PVL rookie setter Tin Ubaldo, Cla Loresco, and Tots Carlos also saw action. Royse Tubino also checked in and scored the game-winning hit.
“We’re happy and proud of the team because you all know what we’ve been through. Knowing our players, especially our veterans, their leadership has had a huge impact on us,” said Alas coach Delos Santos.
“We’re happy with where we are, but we still need to keep improving. What I’m proud of most is our fighting spirit. Every game is different, and adjusting is never easy. But I think if we stay committed, our performance can get even better. To be honest, though, we still have a lot of things we need to work on.”
Alas eyes its second win in Pool A against Australia on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the AVC tournament presented by the PSC, FIVB, Volleyball World and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
Alyssa Solomon, a late addition to the team and a member of last year’s silver medal run in the Women’s Cup, sat out in the first match, as Delos Santos said she needs more time to prepare.
Malikakhon Tursunpulatova was the lone bright spot for Uzbekistan with 10 points, as they had a 2-0 start to open the game but never regained the lead, with the home team gaining momentum.
