Alas Girls plunge into Worlds action

SAN FELIPE, Chile — There will be no easing into the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship for Alas Pilipinas as it opens its campaign on Thursday here against defending champion and world No. 1 China.

All 24 teams are in action on opening day of the 11-day tournament with world No. 2 Japan taking on 27th-ranked Spain in Santiago while No. 3 Italy battles 21st-ranked Algeria in Los Andes and No. 4 Chinese Taipei plays the 16th-ranked Dominican Republic, also in Santiago.

In San Felipe, the world No. 25 Alas Pilipinas girls brace for a stern opening test at 8 p.m. on Thursday (Friday morning in Manila).

Setter Irish May Mahinay and skipper Megan Yesha Hernandez would have preferred more time to acclimatize, study the team system, and build chemistry with teammates, but said they embrace all the challenges.

“We’re doing our best to execute our plays properly,” Mahinay said, acknowledging that players still feel a bit stiff after the long trip and the unusual conditions — daytime highs reach just 17 degrees Celsius, while early mornings dip to five degrees.

“It’s tough to adjust right away,” Hernandez said. “It’s not just the trip, it’s the weather, the team cohesion.”

Although yet to hit top form, the team which also features Xyz Rayco, Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Madele Gale, Caera Celis, Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia is determined to settle in quickly.

Less than a day after arrival, Alas Pilipinas Girls were already on schedule, posing for the official photoshoot before hitting the gym and holding their first practice at Liceo Mixto in the evening.

The Philippines, which also parades Taj Arkhea Teves, Nadeth Faye Herbon, Jello Andrea Mauricio, Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Princess Khaira Manzano and Frances Dianne Ramos, takes on Mexico on Friday and Tunisia on Saturday before the tournament takes a break on Sunday.

Alas Pilipinas returns to action against Peru on Monday, then battle Venezuela on Wednesday.