Alas Pilipinas ended its 63-year medal drought in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) after the historic performances of Alas' trio, Angel Canino, Eya Laure, and Sisi Rondina, to demolish Australia in their rematch game in three sets, 25-23, 25-15, and 25-7, on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Despite suffering a heartbreaking loss against Kazakhstan in the semis, Alas Pilipinas made a major comeback in fighting for the bronze match led by their UAAP star Angel Canino, who had a remarkable 14 big points alongside with Sisi Rondina who also poured 13 points to lead the Philippines in the historic night.
The match started in a roller-coaster run as both teams were exchanging powerful spikes and surprising combinations but Alas Pilipinas veteran setter, Jia De Guzman took the first set as she orchestrated the Alas offense in different angles,19-12.
Australia tried to crawl back and maintain its successful defense of 20-21; however, Canino's flashy and powerful down-the-hit line left the Filipino crowd staggered.
Alas Pilipinas continued to showcase their laser-focused mentality in the second set as De Guzman and Rondina unexpected combinations of attacks led their team to a 2-0 advantage.
In the third set, Australia's defense was easily torn by De Guzman's commendable veteran strategy, allowing the Alas Pilipinas to pulverize Australia's defense, 25-7. Alas Pilipinas exceptional dedication and eagerness to secure a medal led them to a remarkable 18-point blowout win.
Canino once led the Alas Pilipinas with 14 big points coming from 13 attacks and one ace, showcasing her successful performance in the opposite position.
It was followed by Rondina's bomb-back row attacks with 13 points, including the back-to-back aces in the first set. While Eya Laure and Thea Gagante gather 10 points,.
Fifi Sharma also earned 7 points, as did Jia De Guzman, who utilized each of the players with a balanced offense and quick-witted drops.
This historic feat marks the greatness of our Filipino athletes in the international arena, which further proves that we can go toe-to-toe against anyone with our heads held high.