MANILA, Philippines – Team captain Jia De Guzman attributed her outstanding playmaking to the excellent floor and net defense of the Alas Pilipinas Women’s team during their exciting four-set debut victory over Australia.

With talents from the PVL as well as UAAP in his squad, De Guzman was given the responsibility of organizing a well-balanced assault that produced four players with double-digit scores for the Philippines. At Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, the national team of the Philippines defeated Netherlands Volleyroos 22 to 25, 25 to 19, 25 to 16, and 25 to 21.

Dispensing the ball like I did wasn’t a simple task for me. I have to give the entire squad’s floor defense as well as net defense credit if it didn’t work out for my fellow players, the Denso Airybees midfielder remarked.

“We are making an effort to adhere to a system in order to make our lives easier, particularly in contrast to Australia,” she continued.

Eya Laure and Angel Canino both scored 17 points apiece as the eight-time PVL Best Setter skillfully used her colleagues. In the one-hour and forty-eight-minute game, Sisi Rondina scored 16 points, closely followed by Thea Gagate’s 11 points.

Dispensing the ball like I did wasn’t a simple task for me. I have to give the entire squad’s floor defense as well as net defense credit if it didn’t work out for my fellow players, the Denso Airybees midfielder remarked.

“We are making an effort to adhere to a system in order to make our lives easier, particularly in contrast to Australia,” she continued.

Eya Laure and Angel Canino both scored 17 points apiece during which the eight-time PVL Outstanding Setter skillfully used her colleagues. In the one-hour and forty-eight-minute game, Sisi Rondina scored 16 points, closely followed by Thea Gagate’s 11 points.

With the team having only been together for less than two weeks before the competition, De Guzman recognized that they were still developing and needed to endure difficult circumstances in order to get better.

“Every game will serve as a significant educational opportunity for us. We discovered many mistakes throughout this fantastic victory, which will teach us valuable lessons for the next games. Because it goes on, we also need to rest and recuperate.”

Alas Pilipinas hopes to increase their winnings as the competition goes on by using this victory to gain momentum and keep improving from every game.

At the national team reunion, Laure and Rondina excel

For both supporters and players, it was a memorable moment as Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina walked the court for Alas Pilipinas.

After five years apart, the pair who had previously guided the educational institution of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses to the UAAP Season 81 Finals got back together to represent the Philippines in a more significant capacity.

During the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, the two volleyball stars, who are now key members of their respective Premier Volleyball club clubs, contributed their dynamic synergy to the national squad.

Together with the hordes of admirers who saw their incredible chemistry, they experienced exhilaration and pride upon their reunion.

In their remarkable debuts, Rondina—who is currently a highlight for Choco Mucho—and Laure—a mainstay for Chery Tiggo—both gave outstanding performances.

Australia lost against the Philippines in four sets, 22 to 25, 25 to 19, 25 to 16, and 25 to 21, thanks to their combined 16 and 17 point performances.

4,945 fervent supporters packed the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila to witness the exciting encounter.

Rondina scored 15 hits that were successful and a service ace, demonstrating her strength and accuracy.

Laure demonstrated her versatility by recording 14 spikes in 28 tries, two aces, and one block. They had a distinct chemistry that was elevated to a new plane and brought back memories of their college days.

Rondina’s constant development and self-assurance on the court were acknowledged by Laure.

With this success, the Alas Pilipinas team looks forward to their upcoming match against India, a formidable team that has defeated China Taipei and Iran in straight sets.