Courtesy: pvl.ph
ALAS Pilipinas weathered a first-set scare and an injury to Alyssa Solomon to defeat Indonesia in four sets, 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 28-26, for its second consecutive win in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup on Sunday at the Dong Anh Gymnasium.
The Filipinas improved to 2-0 in Pool B, tying Kazakhstan at the top of the standings.
After sitting out the team’s debut victory over Mongolia, Solomon returned to the court with impact, scoring 17 points to lead the national squad before exiting early in the fourth set due to a left ankle sprain sustained during an offensive approach.
Despite the setback, Alas found strength in its depth.
Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Fifi Sharma, and Shaina Nitura came off the bench and delivered in crunch time, with Canino delivering a clutch 15-point performance that included 11 attacks, three aces, a block, and 12 excellent digs.
Canino also had her moment of redemption in the nerve-wracking fourth set. After her attack sailed wide to give Indonesia a 25-24 lead, and another error tied the match at 26-all, the former UAAP MVP responded with a clean spike to regain control. Nitura then sealed the match with a powerful off-the-block kill, capping off the gritty win.
Belen chipped in 12 points along with eight digs and five excellent receptions, while Sharma and Nitura added six and five points, respectively, as the second unit provided the stability Alas needed in Solomon’s absence.
Alas Pilipinas showed early signs of struggle, dropping the opening set and falling behind 21-23 in the second. But Canino and Belen combined for a 4-1 closing rally to tie the match and shift momentum to the Filipinas’ side.
The third set was all Philippines, as the squad stormed through with renewed confidence and defensive intensity, limiting Indonesia to just 13 points in the frame.
Indonesia kept it close in the fourth, even leading late in the set. But Alas leaned on its composure and net defense, which proved pivotal throughout the match. The Filipinas dominated at the net, out-blocking the Indonesians 12-2, showcasing their height and timing against Indonesia’s quick offense.
Ersandrina De Vega was a bright spot for Indonesia, finishing with a match-high 22 points all from attacks, along with eight digs and 10 receptions. Ajeng Viona Adelea supported her with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to lift Indonesia from its 0-2 hole in the tournament.
Alas Pilipinas will look to stay unbeaten as it faces Iran on Monday at 4 p.m. PVL.PH
