Liao Yi-Jen enjoys clash vs familiar faces in Alas Pilipinas

Chinese Taipei’s Yi-Jen Liao against Alas Pilipinas defenders during a game in the AVC Women’s Cup group phase. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur —Liao Yi-Jen relished the chance to play against Alyssa Valdez and Creamline stars anew as Chinese Taipei ousted Alas Pilipinas from semifinal contention in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Nations Cup on Thursday at Candon City Arena.

Liao orchestrated a balanced attack as Chinese Taipei played like a well-oiled machine to eliminate last year’s runner-up Alas Pilipinas, 16-25, 14-25, 10-25, for its fourth straight win.

READ: Alas Pilipinas out of semis chase after loss to Chinese Taipei

“The team today, everybody played very well, so thank you very much to coach and teammates,” said Liao.

Despite facing a revamped Philippine side, Liao was glad to compete against Creamline standouts Valdez, Tots Carlos and setter Kyle Negrito, who left a strong impression on her.

“I think Alyssa, Carlos [are still] very good players. And thank you, Philippines, because these fans [have so much] heart. So I feel very happy always with Philippine games because fans [have so much] heart,” said Liao.

“[I was impressed with the] setter. Number One. Because when PVL, we came together fighting. I always remember Alyssa, Number one, and Carlos.”

Alas Pilipinas in action during a game vs Chinese Taipei in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Liao had faced former setter Jia De Guzman in last year’s semifinals, where Chinese Taipei rallied from two sets down to force a decider before Alas Pilipinas eventually prevailed to reach the final and settle for silver after losing to Vietnam, while Chinese Taipei took bronze.

Liao and Chinese Taipei coach Teng Yen-Min had also faced Creamline when KingWhale Taipei competed as a guest team in 2022, losing in the Invitational Conference final.

Despite the dominant win, coach Teng remained impressed with the Creamline players and Alas mainstay Alyssa Solomon, who led the Philippines with six points off the bench.

“Today we focus on playing [against] Philippines. Because, this Philippine national team, this time I feel [that they’re] very good, and stronger Alyssa [Valdez], [Alyssa] Solomon… Many PVL clubs, famous players [are included]. Today, we play [and did] our homework. We are happy that we win the game,” said coach Teng.

Chinese Taipei goes for Pool A sweep against unbeaten South Korea on Friday before the semifinals on Saturday.

“We will try to win against Korea, because Korea is [a] stronger [team]. Every player [are] good player. We need more plays and [we need] to fight good,” she said.