By Jean Malanum
MANILA – It will be a tough three days for Alas Pilipinas as they enter the playoffs for ninth to 16th places in the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Chile.
After a historic run at the satellite venues at Liceo Mixto in San Felipe and Los Andes, the squad featuring Caera Celis, Xyz Ellen Rayco, Madele Gale, Sharina Lleses, Khaira Manzano, Irish Mahinay and Nadeth Faye Herbon returns from a much-needed break on Saturday at 8 a.m. (PH time) against Asian powerhouse Japan at Parque Estadio Nacional in the capital city of Santiago.
The Philippines failed to reach the quarterfinals after losing to Korea, 21-25, 18-25, 14-25.
Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Megan Hernandez, Taj Arkhea Teves, Resty Jane Olaguir, Jhenica Sadia, Jello Andrea Mauricio and Frances Dianne Ramos will make the most of the remaining matches as Alas Pilipinas tries to build on its breakthrough run.
Alas Pilipinas went 2-3 in pool play, winning in four sets over world No. 8 Mexico and sweeping No. 20 Tunisia.
Mauricio, one of the youngest on the team at 14, said Alas Pilipinas is determined to finish strong, even with the medals already out of reach.
“We will give it everything we have, do our best for the team,” the opposite hitter from San Felipe Neri Catholic School said.
Ramos, a product of the Palarong Pambansa like Mauricio, relishes the opportunity to contribute as libero.
“We’re proud that we can contribute to the team, even in small ways,” the 15-year-old Ramos said.
The other teams battling for 9th to 16th spots are Peru, Argentina, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Poland.
The quarterfinals pit USA against Italy, China against Croatia, Chinese Taipei against Thailand, and Turkiye against Korea.
Playing in the classification for 17th to 20 are Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Tunisia. In the 21st to 24th are Egypt, Puerto Rico, Chile and Algeria. (PNA)
