Alas Pilipinas has shaken off its underdog tag as it ran wild with a second straight win and preyed on Tunisia, 27-25, 25-19, 25-16, last Saturday (Sunday Manila time) in closing in on a Round-of-16 seat in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship here.
The Filipinas, ranked No. 25 in the world, relied on the old connection of Xyz Rayco and Resty Olaguir in leaping to a share of second with the Peruvians on 2-1 records, or just a shade behind the powerhouse Chinese, the reigning titlists who are currently unbeaten three matches in Pool B.
It came just a day after Alas’ four-set win over No. 8 Mexico, which happened to be the former’s first win in this biennial meet that is now on its second edition after the inaugural event in Lima, Peru.
More importantly, the Nationals, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, ASICS and the Philippine Olympic Committee, inched a win away from barging into the next phase.
After Sunday’s much needed breather, they collide with the Peruvians today and close out the group round with a duel with the Venezuelans.
‘It feels different when she sets the ball, it feels like I can really kill it,’ said Rayco. ‘Of course, I’ll work hard to be able to play my best whoever I share the court with.’
The 16-year-old Rayco, top offensive threat in the Asian U16 meet in Jordan, finished with 13 points on 12 attacks and a block, including two of Alas’ final three points to steal the opening set.
Olaguir, for her part, said she didn’t expect to be fielded with Irish Mahinay running the offense, but the Ateneo setter settled in when Alas hit a shaky stretch in the opening set.
‘I’m happy I got in and contributed. I think I’m slowly getting back to the way I really play’ Olaguir said.
‘There are still a lot of things I need to work on. I hope this continues and that I don’t let my emotions get the better of me.’
Caera Celis continued her stellar play and wound up as Alas top scorer for the third straight match, delivering 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks.