Alas Pilipinas loses to Iran, sent to worst finish at AVC Women’s Cup

Alas Pilipinas during a game against Iran in the AVC Women’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Host Alas Pilipinas received a rude exit from Iran, absorbing a 21-25, 12-25, 21-25 beatdown in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup on Sunday at Candon City Arena.

The Filipino Spikers woke up on the wrong side of the bed and couldn’t finish strong in the battle for seventh.

Elaheh Poorsaleh Shahdehsari led Iran’s onslaught with 18 points, dominating the last two sets to win in just 70 minutes.

READ: Alyssa Valdez vows strong finish after Alas Pilipinas misses semis

Alyssa Valdez and Jov Gonzaga on leading the new-look Alas Pilipinas. #AVCWomensCup @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/IRxbS6N6ZD

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 14, 2026

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kyle Negrito saved match points to cut it down to three, 24-21, but Gonzaga missed her next serve.

Alas ended the tournament with its worst finish in eighth place. The Philippines placed seventh in 2023.

Alyssa Solomon was the lone bright spot for the home team with 12 points.

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

The women’s national team program had to bank on veterans Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina, Gonzaga, and Ara Galang after the previous core, which won bronze in 2024 and reached the finals last year, begged off from competition.

The new-look Alas also got Solomon’s commitment just days before the tournament and had to deal with the outside noise after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) was suspended by the FIVB.

“The results may not have gone our way, but our biggest hope is that the younger players continue to answer the call and represent the Philippines in the future,” said an emotional Valdez in Filipino.

The Philippines finished Pool A with a 2-3 record, losing to eventual finalists South Korea and Chinese Taipei and a rare five-set defeat from vastly-improved Australia.

Fatemeh Khalili Chermahini was also instrumental for Iran with nine points. Zahra Salehi and Yasna Ahankoub Roo added eight points each, while Ayda Valinezhad added seven.

Gonzaga delivered six points for Alas. Niña Ytang had five points, while captain Valdez and Tots Carlos added four and three points, respecitvely.