Nakhon ratchasima: The Philippines triumphed over Iran with scores of 29-19, 19-25, 25-23, and 25-18, marking a successful start in Pool C of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Girls' U18 Championship held at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

According to Philippines News Agency, Xyz Ellen Rayco led the Philippines' assault with 19 points, including 14 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo followed closely with 15 points, consisting of 12 attacks and two aces in the match that lasted one hour and 50 minutes. The team also saw contributions from Jhaynna Love Bulandres and Adelaine Terese Agustin, who added nine points each, helping secure the victory after previously earning a bronze medal in the Princess Cup.

On the Iranian side, Sana Naghipour was the top scorer with 15 points, including 13 attacks, while Setayesh Nasr Esfahani also added 15 points with eight attacks and two aces. The Philippine coach, Rey Karl Dimaculangan, expressed respect for Iran's capabilities, recalling their defeat in the semifinals of the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. Dimaculangan, supported by assistants Keenan Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and aggression, particularly on the floor.

The team, composed mainly of players from the 2026 Palarong Pambansa champion National University, includes Lleses from King's Montessori of Quezon City and Gonzalvo from Adamson University. Six players, including Rayco and Bulandres, are part of the national team set to compete in the FIVB World Girls' U17 in Chile from August 6 to 16.

In other matches, Kazakhstan defeated Hong Kong, 25-3, 25-23, 25-15, in Pool B at the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University gym. The semifinalists in these championships will earn a place in the U19 world championships next year, with the venue yet to be announced by the FIVB.