Alas Pilipinas downs Australia to open AVC Challenge Cup campaign

The Philippine women's national volleyball team Alas Pilipinas took down Australia, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, to open its campaign in the AVC Challenge Cup on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Alas Pilipinas survived a first set hiccup as it held the lead in the second frame, 22-17, before equalizing the match at one apiece. The nationals then found their groove and made quick work in the third set.

In the final frame, the Philippines led 21-15 before the Volleyroos scored three straight points to cut its deficit. Fifi Sharma, however, proved to be crucial late in the fourth set as it scored two points in the said stretch en route to the victory.

The Philippines also relied on its aces as it had nine against Australia's two, while the opponent capitalized on blocks with 12 against the country's seven.

Angel Canino had 17 points off 15 attacks, a block, and an ace, while Eya Laure also had 17 points from 14 attacks, two aces, and a block. Sisi Rondina and Thea Gagate, meanwhile, had 16 and 11 points, respectively for the national team.

Kara Inskip led the Volleyroos with 12 points, while Caitlin Tipping had nine points.

Despite the short preparation time, head coach Jorge Souza De Brito said the players eventually found their chemistry after the first set.

"After that, the guys found the chemistry and they're not under pressure to make mistakes or not," De Brito told reporters.

READ MORE | Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup

Alas Pilipinas will face India next on Friday.

"It's always play better and win. Win is always the result after playing good," he said about the team's mindset heading into the next round.

While Alas Pilipinas won its opening game, Australia fell to 1-1 as it won against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News