Santiago: The Philippines defeated Mexico, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, Friday for its first victory at the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U17 World Championship in Chile. The Alas Pilipinas Girls became only the second Philippine team to score a win in a world championship after the Bryan Bagunas-led squad in last year's FIVB men's worlds hosted by the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alas Pilipinas fielded wing spiker Nadeth Herbon as libero and the team's dynamo provided an instant shot of adrenaline, a vast improvement from the anemic floor coverage in the opener against China at Liceo Particular Mixto San Felipe. The switch rippled across the lineup, yielding better passing and more efficient attacking.
Caera Celis finished with 24 points on 22 attacks, a block and an ace, while Xyz Rayco had 15 on 12 attacks, two aces and a block. Jhaynna Bulandres scored 10, seven from attacks and three from the service line, while Madele Gale had five of the team's total eight blocks.
'It was a tense ride, I couldn't stop thinking about what I needed to do,' Herbon said in news release Saturday. 'I'm happy because I think I did what was needed on the court. I'm happy my teammates are pleased with the result. I'll embrace this role all the way to the end.'
China leads Pool B with a 2-0 record. Philippines, Mexico, Venezuela, and Peru are at 1-1, followed by Tunisia with a 0-2 card. The top four teams from each pool march on to the next round. The Philippines takes on Tunisia on Sunday at 5 a.m. (PH time) before the tournament takes a break.
The Alas Girls returns to face Peru on Tuesday at 5 a.m. and wraps up pool play on Wednesday at 2 a.m. day against Venezuela, both PH time. 'We're not looking too far ahead, but this win shows that the program works and the girls have shown they can hold their own on the world stage,' Alas Pilipinas U17 team manager Karl Chan said.
'This is a breakthrough for the country, a victory on the world stage,' Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Ramon Suzara, who was presiding over the AVC Congress in Thailand, said. At the AVC Gala Night, the Philippines' Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons will receive the Fans Choice for Beach Volleyball award and Bryan Bagunas the Fans' Choice Men's Volleyball award.
