Santiago: Alas Pilipinas Girls left Monday for Chile to join the FIVB U17 World Championship scheduled on Aug. 6-16.
According to Philippines News Agency, the team is led by Megan Yesha Hernandez of University of Santo Tomas, Xyz Ellen Rayco from National University, Sharina Rhyza Lleses of King's Montessori School, Cristina Madela Gale from Bacolod Tay Tung, and Caera Celis from St. John's Institute Bacolod City. The team faces a 32-hour journey to reach Santiago, Chile's capital city.
Coach Edwin Leyva expressed optimism about the long flight, suggesting it will provide an opportunity for team bonding and mental preparation. "Hopefully, with the long flight, the players can make up for lost time and bond a bit," Leyva stated. He acknowledged the limited preparation time but expressed confidence in the team's capabilities, hoping they will perform better than in their previous tournament.
Leyva, who led the team to a fifth-place finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation U16 Championship, securing their spot in the world meet, called for robust support from their home country. "We hope the country would support us, pray for us. We'll give our best and put up a good fight for the country," he added.
The team also includes Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Irish May Mahinay, Princess Khaira Manzano, and Frances Dianne Ramos from NU, Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia from Ateneo, Taj Arkhea Teves from UST, Nadeth Faye Herbon from Leyte National High School, and Jello Andrea Mauricio from San Felipe Neri Catholic School.
Ranked 25th globally, the Philippines is grouped in Pool B with top-ranked China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela. Host Chile is in Pool A with Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Turkiye, and USA. Pool C includes world No. 2 Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, and Poland, while Pool D features third-ranked Italy, Korea, Algeria, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei.
