The Philippines chalked up its second win in Pool A of 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women after stopping erstwhile unbeaten India in four sets, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18, on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
As was their first game in the tournament against Australia, the hometown heroes bucked their slow start — they lost the opening chapter but overcame it to clinch Sets 2-4, and eventually the victory.
De La Salle University star Angel Canino proved her worth, especially in the dying moments of the second frame when she scored Philippines’ last four points to steal that one from the foreigners.
Canino top-scored once more, tallying a total of 22 points when the dust settled, anchored on 19 attacks, two aces and a block.
Chery Tiggo ace Eya Laure (17 points) and middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate (12 points each) were there to complete the supporting cast for the Philippines’ firepower.
Behind the balanced offense was team captain Jia de Guzman, who pulled the strings as she took home Best Player of the Game honors.
The Denso Airybees star setter gave again credit to the team, and asserted that they are “really ready to step up” and make in-game adjustments.
“I’m really proud of my team because everyone was really ready to step up and sobrang bilis naming naka-adjust in-game. India was very challenging, a little bit more challenging than Australia kasi na-scout na nila kami based on our game yesterday. I’m just really proud of this team,” De Guzman said after the game.
Alas will face Iran next on Saturday in the Philippine capital at 7 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Iran, Vietnam, and Indonesia checked their tasks against their respective foes.
Iran (1-1) entered win column in Pool A after a 24-26, 25-20, 25-18, 28-26 escape of Chinese Taipei (0-3), while Vietnam (3-0) claimed its third win in Pool B at Kazakhstan’s (1-1) expense, 25-14, 25-19, 14-25, 25-23.
Before Alas’ game at 7 p.m., Indonesia (1-1) made quick work of Singapore (0-3), 25-14, 25-13, 25-14, to notch its first win in Pool B.
