Alas Pilipinas Women absorbed a 16-25, 18-25, 22-25 loss at the hands of South Korea in Pool A of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

The home bets showed promise, even leading 19-16 against the powerhouse late in Set 3; however, the Koreans proved to be too much to handle, as the visitors uncorked an 8-1 run to put themselves at match point, 24-20.

Ara Galang fired an attack off the hands of the blockers, while Niña Ytang blocked Kang Sohwi for a 24-22 count, but the Koreans only needed one point to seal the match, and it came from Lee Juah from a kill.

No Alas player breached double-digit territory, as Thea Gagate and Ytang tallied nine and eight points, respectively.

Alyssa Valdez and Alyssa Solomon put up seven points, while Galang and Ces Molina chipped in four markers.

The Alas captain also added nine digs and three receptions, while Alyssa Eroa, who celebrates her birthday today, made her presence felt with 12 receptions and seven digs.

The Philippines dropped to a 2-2 record, seeing its chances for a semifinals spot dim.

Sohwi led the Korean squad with 19 points on 15 attacks, a block, and three aces as South Korea improved to 3-0, tying Chinese Taipei in the standings of the tourney. (ABS-CBN News)