By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball team suffered their first setback in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup, falling to Iran in a tightly contested five-set match, 16-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 15-13, at the Doang Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam on Monday night, June 9.

Despite controlling the momentum early by securing the first and third sets, Alas Pilipinas faltered in the final two frames, plagued by costly errors that ultimately dropped their record to 2-1 in Pool B.

Negrense Angel Canino spearheaded the offense for the Filipino squad, delivering 20 points built on 17 attacks, two blocks and one ace.

Eya Laure also made her presence felt with 16 points.

Dell Palomata added 10.

Meanwhile, Mhicaela Belen, Shaina Nitura and Vanessa Gandler chipped in eight, six and three points, respectively.

They were unable to match Iran’s consistency in the closing stages of the match.

With the win, Iran remains undefeated in Pool B after three outings.

The Alas Pilipinas squad, coached by Jorge Edson Souza de Brito, will return to action against New Zealand on Wednesday afternoon, June 11./ASC, WDJ