Alas Pilipinas failed to sustain its hot start as it fell victim to powerhouse Japan, 20-25, 17-25, 24-26, in the AVC Girls’ U18 Championship on Thursday at the Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The Philippines entered the morning match beaming with confidence after beating Iran the day before but the disciplined Japanese gave Alas Girls a reality check in their 78-minute encounter.

Alas Girls put up a gallant stand and even gave Japan a scare in the third set, only to come short in the end.

“We had many opportunities that we did not maximize. We knew that Japan is a very tough team. We gave it our best,” head coach Karl Dimaculangan said.

With a 1-1 win-loss card in Pool C, the Philippines is in a must-win situation against Indonesia today at 4 p.m. as only the top two teams after the group stage will advance to the knockout quarterfinals.

Sharina Lleses paced the Filipinas with 15 points on 13 attacks, one block and an ace.

“It was a good game, and we fought hard. We tried to win but there’s still something missing. We will try again tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll win,” the 14-year-old Grade 9 student from King’s Montessori said.

The 5-foot-9 Llesses is part of the national team that qualified for the FIVB World Girls’ U17 in Chile from August 6 to 16. Other members of the World U17 Championship-bound squad are Xyz Ellen Rayco, Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Princess Khaira Manzano, Irish May Mahinay and Frances Dianne Ramos.

Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo added 10 points, all on attacks Ysabelle Patricia Cruz chipped in seven points for Alas, which won the bronze medal in the recently concluded Princess Cup.

Rio Nishimura finished with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks while Kadiatou Kaba scored 11 of her 12 points on attacks for Japan, which secured a ticket to the next round with its second win in as many outings.