Alas Pilipinas Women open their campaign in the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup from June 7 to 14 in Hanoi, facing a tough group that includes rivals Indonesia, Iran, and powerhouse Kazakhstan.
After weeks of preparation, Alas Pilipinas Women are set for a challenging yet promising campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, which runs from June 7 to 14 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
This marks the first edition of the newly rebranded AVC Nations Cup and the sixth overall staging of the annual tournament formerly known as the AVC Women's Challenge Cup.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas gear up for AVC Nations Cup campaigns set for June]
Last year, the Alas Women made history with their bronze medal finish, which catapulted the national team to new heights.
With the 16-woman roster set for the tournament, let’s look at the Alas Women’s upcoming opponents in Pool B, where only the top two teams will advance to the semifinals.
Schedule and opponents
June 7 | 4:00 PM | LIVE
Alas Pilipinas vs Mongolia
Mongolia enters the tournament as an unranked team in the FIVB world rankings, making them the least scouted opponent in the group.
While Mongolia remains a developing volleyball nation with limited exposure on the continental stage, this opener is far from a guaranteed win.
June 8 | 1:30 PM | LIVE
Alas Pilipinas vs Indonesia
Ranked No. 54 in the world and just two places behind the Philippines, Indonesia is expected to be a major threat in Pool B.
With several players boasting SEA Games and Asian-level experience, the Indonesians are known for their athleticism and fast-paced playmaking, anchored by strong backrow defense and quick sets.
This should be Alas Women’s first test in the tournament as they vie for a semifinal spot.
June 9 | 4:00 PM | LIVE
Alas Pilipinas vs Iran
The two teams are no strangers—Iran (ranked No. 57) fell to Alas Women during the bronze medal match in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
The Iranians are a physical squad with solid height and a more traditional power-style offense, but the Philippines should enter the match as the favorites once more.
June 11 | 4:00 PM | LIVE
Alas Pilipinas vs New Zealand
New Zealand’s women’s national team makes its return to international action after nearly two years, with their last major activity coming during their 2023 Chile tour.
While not currently a mainstay in Asian volleyball circles, New Zealand brings a different dynamic with its Western-style volleyball system.
Alas Women are expected to be the favorites in this match, having already dominated the likes of Australia in their previous encounters.
June 12 | 11:00 AM | LIVE
Alas Pilipinas vs Kazakhstan
The final group match is also the toughest. Kazakhstan, ranked No. 31 in the world, is the highest-ranked team in the pool and carries a long tradition of excellence in Asian volleyball.
They were responsible for eliminating Alas Pilipinas in the semifinals of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, dealing a swift straight-sets defeat.
The Kazakhs boast powerful middle blockers and experienced international hitters, making this match a true benchmark for how much the national team has grown since that painful loss.
What to watch for?
The AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup offers not just regional bragging rights but also vital ranking points and development opportunities for rising national programs.
For Alas Pilipinas, it’s a chance to build on their historic bronze medal run, settle unfinished business with rivals like Kazakhstan and Iran, and reaffirm their place as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising squads.
With key players like Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and Shaina Nitura expected to lead the charge, alongside veterans such as Jia de Guzman and Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Alas Women will lean on chemistry, heart, and renewed confidence as they take on the continent’s best.
[ALSO READ: Now teammates in Alas, Dawn Catindig happy to miss out on facing Shaina Nitura in UAAP]
All matches will be aired live on One Sports, One Sports+, and on the Pilipinas Live app.