PH clinches historic bronze in women’s volleyball at AVC Challenge Cup

IN a groundbreaking moment for Philippine women’s volleyball, Alas Pilipinas secured their first-ever podium finish at the continental level, clinching bronze in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup. 

With a dominant performance, they swept Australia 25-23, 25-15, 25-7 in the battle for third place on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Despite having limited preparation time, Alas Pilipinas proved doubters wrong. 

“Really, I’m happy and I’m grateful. I have no words to express how happy I am,” said Philippines head coach Jorge Souza de Brito. “They fight every single day, since they are really young to make history here, and now history has been made because of them, because they trusted themselves today.”

The match began with Australia closing in on the Philippines’ early lead, narrowing the score to 23-24 in the first set. 

However, Sisi Rondina’s decisive backrow attack clinched the set for Alas Pilipinas.

From that point, the Nationals were unstoppable. The outside-opposite duo of Eya Laure and Angel Canino led the charge in the second set, propelling the team to a commanding 25-15 victory. 

In the third set, Laure and Thea Gagate spearheaded a relentless attack, securing an insurmountable 16-6 lead. The match ended with eight consecutive points, capped by Rondina’s powerful crosscourt kill.

Canino was a standout performer once more, tallying 14 points with 13 spikes and a service ace, capping a stellar tournament. 

Rondina contributed 13 points, including two aces in the first set, while Laure and Gagate each added 10 points, with Gagate also delivering three blocks. 

Fifi Sharma chipped in seven points, and Jia De Guzman orchestrated a balanced offense with her exceptional playmaking.

Australia, which had already surpassed expectations by reaching the semifinals, finished fourth. 

Caitlin Tipping was the Volleyroos’ top performer with 13 points.

This historic bronze medal for the Philippines marks a significant milestone and sets a promising future for the nation’s women’s volleyball team. pvl.ph