The Philippine women's volleyball team kicked off their 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup campaign with a dominant performance against Uzbekistan. The match, held in Candon, Ilocos Sur, saw star player Alyssa Valdez leading the charge.
Veteran Trio Makes Impact
Despite concerns about their age, Valdez, alongside Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina, proved their mettle. Valdez led the scoring with 14 points, while Gonzaga and Molina contributed 12 and 11 points respectively, securing a swift 26-16, 26-12, 25-14 victory.
It’s such an amazing feeling. We never really expected to be back here together, but here we are. We’re taking this opportunity to share our knowledge with the younger players on the national team as well.
Alyssa Valdez, Team Captain
The match was particularly meaningful for the trio, who last played together during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where they narrowly missed a medal. Valdez reflected on the significance of their reunion for the national team.
Interim coach Shaq Delos Santos emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences. He noted how the team’s previous near-miss in 2019 has influenced their approach moving forward.
- Valdez: 14 points
- Gonzaga: 12 points
- Molina: 11 points
The current squad faced challenges as notable players like Jia de Guzman and Bella Belen opted out due to controversies surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). However, the team remains focused on their goal of topping Pool A.
Pool A includes Australia, Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, while Pool B features Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Lebanon.
Delos Santos has assembled a diverse lineup of 14 players, featuring setters Kyle Negrito and Tin Ubaldo, outside hitters Valdez, Molina, and Royse Tubino, along with a strong middle blocker and libero roster.