Alas Pilipinas falls to China in Asian Games opener
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
OKAZAKI, JAPAN — Alas Pilipinas opened its 2026 Asian Games women’s volleyball campaign with a straight-sets loss to defending champion China on Sept. 16 at Okazaki Sogo Park.
China, ranked No. 7 in the world, swept the Philippines, 25-18, 25-22, 25-8, in their preliminary-round match.
Alas stayed competitive through the first two sets before China pulled away decisively in the third.
The Filipinas opened the first set with a 3-1 lead, but China responded with a 19-9 run to seize a 20-13 advantage.
Eya Laure provided an early spark for Alas, scoring six quick points and using off-the-block attacks against China’s taller front line.
The Philippines managed to trim the deficit, but several unforced errors allowed China to stretch a three-point gap to 24-18.
China then closed the opening set with a quick attack that Alas failed to stop.
The second set developed into a tighter battle, with China holding a slim 17-16 edge entering the closing stretch.
Angel Canino and Alyssa Solomon helped keep the Philippines within striking distance, while Justine Jazareno provided steady floor defense.
Substitutes Bella Belen and Mars Alba also contributed as Alas tied the set at 20-all.
China, however, answered with a 4-0 run to reach set point and regain control.
A rotation error further hurt the Philippines as China took a 24-20 advantage before closing out the set for a 2-0 match lead.
China dominated the third set, adjusting defensively and using its power at the net to build a 19-4 advantage.
Solomon and Canino continued to challenge China’s front line, but the defending champions maintained control and limited Alas to eight points in the final set.
The loss dropped the Philippines to 0-1 in Pool B of the women’s volleyball preliminary round.
Alas will try to bounce back against Kazakhstan on Sept. 17 as it looks to strengthen its bid for a quarterfinal berth.
China and Kazakhstan complete the three-team Pool B, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stage.
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