MANILA — Alas Pilipinas Girls left for Chile on Monday determined to test themselves against the world’s top young volleyball teams as they gear up for the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship from Aug. 6 to 16, marking the Philippines’ campaign in the prestigious 24-nation tournament.
The Philippine delegation faces a grueling 32-hour journey from Manila before opening its campaign in Pool B against powerhouse opponents, including world No. 1 China.
Leading the Philippine squad are Megan Yesha Hernandez of the University of Santo Tomas, Xyz Ellen Rayco of National University, Sharina Rhyza Lleses of King’s Montessori School, Cristina Madela Gale of Bacolod Tay Tung, and Caera Celis of St. John’s Institute Bacolod City.
Despite the demanding travel and limited preparation, head coach Edwin Leyva remains optimistic that the lengthy trip will help strengthen the team’s chemistry ahead of its world championship debut.
“Hopefully with the long flight medyo makabawi-bawi sa bonding yung players,” Leyva said. “We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for this, but we did our best in the short time we had, and I believe in this team. We have good players, and we are confident we can do better than our last tournament.”
Leyva, who guided the Philippines to a fifth-place finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation U16 Women’s Championship to clinch a historic berth in the world championship, also appealed for the support of Filipino fans.
“We hope the country would support us, pray for us,” Leyva said. “Kami naman we’ll give our best and put up a good fight for the country.”
Also joining the national squad are Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia of Ateneo, Taj Arkhea Teves of UST, Nadeth Faye Herbon of Leyte National High School, Jello Andrea Mauricio of San Felipe Neri Catholic School, along with Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Irish May Mahinay, Princess Khaira Manzano, and Frances Dianne Ramos of National University.
The Philippines, ranked No. 25 in the world, was drawn into a formidable Pool B together with top-ranked China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela.
The tournament features 24 nations, with host Chile heading Pool A, Japan leading Pool C, and Italy topping Pool D./PN
