MANILA — For the first time at the continental level, the Philippines has secured a podium finish in women’s volleyball.

The Alas team, featuring Premier Volleyball League and UAAP standouts, clinched the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women by dominating Australia with scores of 25-23, 25-15, and 25-7 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday (29 May 2024).

“It feels surreal. I think it’s going to take a while for it to sink in because we went into this game not expecting anything. Now, we’re going home with a medal,” said veteran playmaker Jia de Guzman.

“It’s been years, decades since the last medal, so we are extremely thankful. We’re hopeful and looking forward to more preparations for upcoming tournaments. If we can perform like this now, we just hope to keep improving and moving up,” she added.

“I’m blessed to play with such talented girls from different generations and a very talented coaching staff. I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead this team,” de Guzman said.

Eya Laure, who was limited to just three points in the straight-set semifinal loss to Kazakhstan, made a significant comeback, leading the Philippines to their historic victory.

The Volleyroos narrowed an 11-18 deficit in the first set to 23-24, but Sisi Rondina’s back-row attack secured the set for Alas. From that point, the Nationals were unstoppable.

“I’m really happy and grateful. I have no words to express how happy I am, not just for myself but for the whole team. They deserve this,” said coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

“They fight every single day, since they were young, to make history. And now history has been made because they trusted themselves today. I’m happy because we won the medal here, in our home, in front of our people. It’s a joy to celebrate with everyone,” the Brazilian mentor added.

The Alas team capitalized on the outside-opposite tandem of Laure and Angel Canino, achieving a runaway 25-15 victory in the second set. Laure and Thea Gagate then led the team to a commanding 16-6 lead in the third set, which proved insurmountable for the Australians.

(el Amigo/MNM)