Alas Pilipinas capitalized on Iran’s error-prone game to score a swift three-set victory, 25-16, 25-13, 25-15, in the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women on a rainy Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Angel Canino led the charge for the Filipinas with 16 points, as they needed only 92 minutes to defeat the Iranians, thrilling a supportive home crowd on a rainy Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The Filipinas, with Sisi Rondina contributing 12 points, made history by advancing to the tournament’s semifinals for the first time ever following their third consecutive triumph in Pool A.
Vanessa Gandler added nine points for the world No. 62 Alas Pilipinas, which now aims to sweep Group A in its Sunday evening match against Chinese Taipei.
The Filipinas dominated early in the first set with powerful kills from Fifa Rondina on the left side of the net.
In the second set, a pair of aces from Canino and poor reception from the Iranians allowed the Filipinas to pull ahead, 8-4.
Jia Morado-de Guzman’s two aces at the start of the third set gave the Filipinas a 4-0 lead, which they extended to 8-2 with Sharma’s strong frontline plays.
Rondina’s defensive prowess further solidified the Filipinas’ lead, pushing them to an 8-3 advantage.
Earlier, Australia boosted its chances of advancing to the semifinals by narrowly defeating India in a thrilling match, 26-24, 25-16, 19-25, 29-27.
