MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas will make its FIVB Volleyball U17 World Championship debut against defending champion China on Friday in San Felipe, Chile, after the Philippine youth team secured its first berth in the tournament last year.
The Philippines earned its historic qualification after placing fifth in the Asian Volleyball Confederation U16 tournament in Amman, Jordan, last November.
The team faces a demanding opening match against top-ranked China while adjusting to Chile’s conditions. Daytime temperatures in San Felipe are expected to reach about 17 degrees Celsius, while early-morning temperatures can fall to 5 C.
Xyz Rayco leads the Philippine squad alongside holdovers Nadeth Herbon, Resty Jane Olaguir, Megan Hernandez, Jhenica Sadia, Madele Gale and Frances Ramos.
“It’s tough to adjust right away,” Hernandez said. “It’s not just the trip. It’s the weather, the team cohesion.”
Coach Edwin Leyva also included newcomers Caera Celis, Irish Mahinay, Jhaynna Bulandres, Sharina Lleses, Princess Khaira Manzano, Taj Arkhea Teves and Andrea Mauricio.
Setter Mahinay said the team will focus on executing its game plan.
“We’re going to do our best and execute our plays properly,” she said.
After facing China, the Philippines will play Mexico on Friday and Tunisia on Saturday before the tournament takes a break Sunday. Alas Pilipinas will return Monday against Peru and face Venezuela on Wednesday in the 24-team tournament.
Meanwhile, the Alas Pilipinas Women will try to rebound against host Thailand on Friday in the second leg of the SEA V Cup in Chiang Mai.
The senior team seeks to recover after Indonesia ended its four-year bronze medal streak with a four-set victory in the first leg in Hanoi.
Led by first-leg Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, Eya Laure and Jia De Guzman, the Philippines went winless in three matches but pushed Thailand to five sets in their meeting.