OKAZAKI, Japan — Following back-to-back group stage losses, Alas Pilipinas Women bounced back in dominant fashion to secure their breakthrough win at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
The Philippine national volleyball squad needed just 52 minutes to dismantle Qatar in a swift 25-8, 25-2, 25-9 sweep at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium.
The blowout victory provided much-needed momentum after the team dropped its initial pool stage fixtures to powerhouse China and Kazakhstan.
Riding on the energy of Filipino spectators in the venue, the nationals dictated the pace from start to finish, holding the Qatari squad to just two points in the second frame.
Middle blocker Amei Provido spearheaded the offense, tallying 18 points built on 10 spikes, four blocks, and four service aces. Veteran setter Jia de Guzman turned in a 15-point performance, while Shai Nitura chipped in seven points alongside five excellent sets.
The win keeps the Philippines in contention for a ninth-place finish in the continental tournament. During their previous Asian Games appearance at the 2018 Jakarta Games, the Filipinas ended their campaign in eighth place.
Alas Pilipinas will look to close out its classification round campaign on a high note when it meets Mongolia on Monday.