The task is simple for Alas Pilipinas against Kazakhstan: win, and a semifinals spot is secured. Lose, and their chances of advancing fall out of their control at the AVC Nations Cup.
It's make-or-break time for Alas Pilipinas.
Alas Women are bracing for their toughest test yet in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, facing the unbeaten Kazakhstan with a semifinal berth and a shot at redemption all on the line, Thursday (PH time), June 12.
Serving time is set at 11:00 a.m.
Sharing identical 3-1 win-loss records, the Philippines currently holds the second spot over Iran in Pool B thanks to a 10-7 edge in total match points.
But the road ahead is steep as Alas must dig deep to overcome world no. 29 Kazakhstan, which enters the high-stakes showdown with a flawless 4-0 record — having dropped only two sets so far in the tournament.
A victory in three or four sets would give Alas Pilipinas the top seed in Pool B. However, a win in five sets would still place Alas in second place — though they would still clinch the last semifinal spot in the group — due to an inferior points total against the Kazakhs.
A loss, however, would complicate their path, as the Philippines would then have to hope for a massive upset by winless Mongolia (0-3) over Iran (3-1) to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
Even with that scenario, Alas’ fate could hinge on statistical tiebreakers — including match points and set ratio.
Alas Women carry momentum towards the make-or-break game coming off a much-needed 25-17, 25-21, 25-18 bounce-back win over New Zealand.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas vent ire on New Zealand to stay in semis hunt at AVC Nations Cup]
Vanie Gandler and Eya Laure led the way with 12 points apiece, while Alyssa Solomon — showing no signs of her recent ankle concerns — added 11. The trio of middle blockers Dell Palomata, Fifi Sharma, and Cla Loresco combined for 16 points as the Philippines dominated the attacking department, 36-24.
But Kazakhstan presents an entirely different challenge.
The 2010 Asian Games bronze medalists cruised past New Zealand, Mongolia, Indonesia, and most recently Iran, emerging as one of only two undefeated teams in the tournament alongside Vietnam.
In their latest win over Iran, Tatyana Nikitina tallied 15 points, middle blocker Saniya Balagazinova added 11, and tournament scoring leader Sana Anarkulova chipped in nine.
However, Anarkulova suffered an injury late in the match, casting doubt on her availability against the Philippines — a potential momentum-shifter in Alas’ favor.
Furthermore, the looming battle also carries historical weight.
It marks a rematch of last year’s AVC Challenge Cup for Women semifinals, where Kazakhstan swept Alas in straight sets.
That loss, however, didn’t stop Alas Pilipinas from salvaging a bronze medal — the country’s first podium finish in an AVC-sanctioned event since joining the confederation in 1961.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas repeat over Australia to net historic bronze medal in AVC Challenge Cup]<
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Adding another layer of familiarity, Kazakhstan needed five sets to outlast the NU Lady Bulldogs-powered Philippine team during their clash in the 2023 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship.
[ALSO READ: AVC: Kazakhstan’s Sana Anarkulova fires 'interesting' response on semis matchup with Alas Pilipinas]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]