By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Alas Pilipinas U-18 girls volleyball team dominated Australia in straight sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-20, to claim the bronze medal in the 2024 Princess Cup U18 SEA Volleyball Championship at the Nakhon Pathom Gym in Thailand on Thursday afternoon, June 13.
Negrense Kimberly Chelmei Rubin and Lianne Penuliar provided offensive spark for the Taka Minowa-mentored squad to capture the third place medal in the week-long tournament.
Following a straight-set loss to Indonesia that prevented them from reaching the finals the other day, Team Philippines was on fire in the opening set as they jumped to a quick double-digit lead and never looked back.
The Alas Pilipinas U-18 squad continued their momentum in the second frame as they established a quick separation over the Australians before preventing the late rally of their opponents.
The Australians kept the match tight early in the third set, but Alas Pilipinas U-18 responded with consecutive points from Rubin and Penuliar to complete the victory in straight sets.
Minowa said letting the Alas Pilipinas U-18 squad participate in international competitions like the Princess Cup will be vital for the development and growth of Philippine volleyball.
“Our goal is to assess the level of Asian volleyball and gain experience playing volleyball while representing our country with pride,” Minowa said.
“This is the initial step in strategizing how we can reach the top tier of Asian volleyball,” he added.
Aside from Rubin and Penuliar, other members of Alas U-18 are Jaila Adrao, Maile Salang, Aneeza Santos, Avril Bron, Chasliey Pepito, Denesse Daylisan, Akeyla Bartolabac, Harlyn Serneche, Bubay Belen, Samarah Marzan, and Ashley Macalinao.
“I am looking forward to working with this talented group of individuals and helping them reach their full potential on the court,” the Japanese volleyball coach further said.
Up next for the Alas Pilipinas U-18 squad is the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship, scheduled from June 16 to 23, still in Bangkok, Thailand./ASC, WDJ