Kazakhstan always had Alas Pilipinas’ number. But not in this edition of the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.
The moment they stepped into the dugout following a 25-17, 25-21, 25-18 win over New Zealand on Thursday, June 12, Kazakhstan was already in Alas Pilipinas’ mind.
It’s understandable.
After all, Kazakhstan is ranked no. 29 in the world and outclassed Alas Women in the semifinals of the AVC Challenge Cup just last year.
“Actually from yesterday pa lang, after ng panalo namin, 'yung utak namin nasa Kazakhstan na talaga,” said Alas team captain Jia de Guzman.
“As in pag dating namin ng hotel, pag tulog, pag gising, lahat — naka focus lahat. Alam namin mahirap na laban talaga today. We needed to give our very best para manalo.”
That worked wonders as the Nationals swept their tormentors, 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Vietnam on Thursday, June 12.
With the win, Alas will once again play in the semifinals of the competition.
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At the risk of sounding like she’s selling themselves short, De Guzman said she was surprised with the outcome witnessed by a sizeable Filipino crowd on the country’s Independence Day.
“Hindi kami makapaniwala na 3-0 yung panalo. Basta alam namin papasok kami sa court today and we will do whatever it takes to win. And I’m so proud of my teammates talaga,” she added.
Bella Belen, who spearheaded the team’s assault with 16 points, was not exactly as surprised. But that’s because she knew the amount of work these women put in to be in this position.
“Maraming beses ko na pong nakalaban Kazakhstan. Yung mindset ko lang naman may chance kaming talunin ang Kazakhstan kasi bilog naman yung bola,” she said.
“Alam namin na malakas silang team. Lahat kami, talagang pinaghandaan namin sila nang maayos. Pinanood namin game nila kahapon against Iran, tinignan namin kung ano yung pwede namin gawin para malamangan namin sila sa game.”
[ALSO READ: From Faith to Shaina: Jia De Guzman’s quiet leadership define Alas Pilipinas]
Though still overwhelmed with joy, the Filipinas will now shift their focus on their semifinal game against the No. 2 in Pool B on Friday, June 13.
They will face either two-time defending champion Vietnam or Chinese Taipei.