Alas Pilipinas puts up fight but falls to South Korea
Alas Pilipinas during a game against South Korea in the AVC Women’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Alas Pilipinas fell to the brink of elimination in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup after getting swept by powerhouse South Korea, 16-25, 18-25, 22-25, on Tuesday at Candon City Arena here.
Alas tried to turn to young guns Alyssa Solomon and Tots Carlos in the opening set then made adjustments, relying on Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ces Molina — and even first-time national team campaigner Ara Galang, who played her heart out in the third.
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Alyssa Solomon and Tots Carlos join Alas Pilipinas starters Ces Molina, Thea Gagate, Niña Ytang, Kyle Negrito, and libero Kyla Atienza vs South Korea.#AVCWomensCup @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/x3S7ZU6bN9
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 9, 2026
But none of those combinations by Alas interim coach Shaq Delos Santos could stop the Koreans, who are relegated to the Women’s Cup after losing their spot in the Volleyball Nations League.
It may be years late to put the tandem of Valdez and Galang, who headlined the Ateneo-La Salle storied rivalry in the UAAP a decade ago, but the veteran outside spikers led Alas’ gallant stand in the third, where they even tok an 18-15 edge with Galang nailing the timely hits, followed by Valdez’s back-to-back aces.
Solomon gave Alas its last lead at 20-18. Before the Koreans, behind Kang Sowhi, nailed the telling blows to reach match point, 24-20.
Galang and Niña Ytang saved points for the home squad before Lee Juah delivered the game-winner.
“Sayang,” said Galang. “But I think we were able to keep up and stay close throughout the match. We just gave our best effort on that last point. It’s just unfortunate that it didn’t go our way.”
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Kang had her way, leading the Koreans with a game-high 19 points for a 3-0 record in Pool A. Juah and Na Hyunsoo added 12 each.
Alas dropped to a 2-2 record, needing to win its final Pool A game against Chinese Taipei (3-0) on Thursday at 3 p.m.
The Philippines has a slim chance of advancing to the semifinals, needing to beat Taipei and another losing result from the latter against Korea in the AVC tournament presented by the PSC, POC, FIVB, Volleyball World and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
Thea Gagate led Alas with nine points built on five attacks, three blocks and one ace. Ytang added eight points, while Valdez and Solomon chipped in seven apiece.
Galang finished with four points, all coming in the third set.
