Alas Pilipinas leaps to world No. 46

Alas Pilipinas has reached greater heights as it moved up the FIVB rankings to No. 46 following an inspiring run in the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Against all odds, the relatively young squad led by battle-tested setter Jia De Guzman and seasoned libero Dawn Catindig reached the final of the prestigious continental tilt for the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal match in an Asian level competition.

Alongside the breakthrough final appearance was Alas’ giant leap in the world rankings, climbing 10 rungs up from its previous position in a matter of one week.   

The Filipinas earned it following a nail-biting 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 15-25, 15-12 escape over Chinese Taipei at Dong Anh District Center for Culture, Information and Sports Friday night.

Alas, last year’s bronze medalist, looks to complete a Cinderella run against three-peat-seeking host Vietnam in the gold medal match being played as of press time.   

The rise of Alas Pilipinas was also bolstered by its wins over Mongolia, New Zealand and Kazakhstan during the preliminary round.

From No. 156 in the 222-nation FIVB in 2021, Alas leapfrogged 90 levels up to No. 66 in 2023. Last year, Alas ascended to No. 58 following a bronze medal finish in the same Nations Cup held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Philippines could improve its rankings further with a win over the Vietnamese, whom the country hasn’t beaten since the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix second leg held in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“Last year, our best brought us to the bronze, and this time, it's going to bring us to higher heights,” De Guzman said.

“So, we're just going to bring our best again—and no matter what, this is for the country,” added last year’s tournament Best Setter.

Alas survived flirting with disaster after squandering a two-set lead against the Taiwanese.

Veteran Eya Laure displayed maturity and composure, carrying Alas on her shoulders at crunch time after accounting for six points in the deciding frame. Her hot hands fueled Alas’ comeback from two points down and even delivered the crucial hits that created the separation in the closing stretch of the decider.

Young gun Bella Belen led the way for Alas with a triple-double of 14 points, 19 excellent receptions and 16 digs.  Alyssa Solomon had 12 markers, Fifi Sharma added 10 points while Laure and 2024 Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino added nine each.

“We knew that semifinals are always hard and they [Taiwanese] gave us a hard night,” Brazilian head coach Jorge De Brito said.

“But we also knew we had one chance to get into the final. So, I’m proud and very thankful for the girls.”

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