Alas Pilipinas secures ninth place in 20th Asian Games
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Alas Pilipinas capped its 2026 Asian Games women’s volleyball campaign with a ninth-place finish after sweeping Hong Kong, 25-21, 25-9, 30-28, during the final classification game on Sept. 22, 2026, at Okazaki Sogo Park.
After falling to China and Kazakhstan, which eliminated them from medal contention, the resilient Filipinas showed they still had much to prove, ending the tournament on a three-game winning streak with 3-0 wins over Qatar, Mongolia, and Hong Kong.
Unlike its relatively easy outings against Qatar and Mongolia, Alas faced a tough Hong Kong squad that nearly stole the third set after reaching five set points to stay alive.
Hong Kong moved a point away from forcing a fourth set, 24-23, and was on the brink of snatching away Alas’ momentum.
However, a spirited comeback led by Angel Canino and Bella Belen sparked Alas’ come-from-behind effort, as the duo combined for a stellar offensive closeout performance to deal Hong Kong a heartbreaker.
Canino kicked off Alas’ comeback with an off-the-block hit to equalize the affair at 24-all, forcing a marathon decider.
Tense moments immediately set in for Alas after Hong Kong reached set point four times, but Belen answered the call for the national team, hammering consecutive points for a 29-28 advantage.
Needing only a point to spoil Hong Kong’s inspired outburst, Belen took care of business after converting Jia Morado-De Guzman’s cross set with a crafty long spike.
Belen saved her best for last after exploding for 18 points built on 16 successful attacks, alongside 10 excellent digs and a service ace.
Canino wrapped up her productive Asian Games run with 17 markers and 12 excellent digs, while Alyssa Solomon delivered 11 points.
Despite entering the classification round with a 0-2 record, Alas still held its head high, regaining its footing against Qatar after holding the team to only 19 points across three sets.
The momentum carried over against Mongolia with another sweep before Alas concluded its Japan trip with a thrilling win over Hong Kong.
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