Alas Pilipinas girls team stood its ground to stave off the taller Iran, 25-21, 25-22, 25-22, and move on to the next round of the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship yesterday at the Princess Sumaya Hall in Amman, Jordan.
Xyz Rayco took matters into her own hands, drilling the finishing touches in the last two sets to send the young Filipinos – composed of high school players from different provinces – to the quarterfinals in their first international tournament together.
Rayco, a 14-year-old spiker from Saint Michael College of Caraga, topscored with 13 points off nine kills, three blocks, and an ace as Alas bounced back from a four-set defeat to defending champion Japan.
Besides Rayco, Madele Gale rose to the occasion with nine points including the game-winning play. Nadeth Herbon and Merish Beltran contributed seven and six points, respectively.
Resty Jane Olaguir held Alas U16 together with her brilliant plays.