Sam Cantada of the Philippines in action against Hong Kong in the Asian Youth Games, October 24, 2025 at the Isa Sports City in Bahrain. POC Media
Alas Pilipinas sustained its strong run in the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain on Friday night, sweeping Hong Kong at the Isa Sports City.
Rising star Sam Cantada shone in the Philippines' 25-15, 28-26, 25-21 sweep, which gave them a 2-1 record in Pool F -- just behind unbeaten Thailand (2-1).
Up next for the Alas girls is Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals, set for Sunday.
If they win, they will play the winner of another quarterfinal match-up between Iran and Hong Kong.
But Cantada stressed that they cannot be complacent and pointed out that they have plenty to work on despite their string of impressive results.
"Pagtatrabahuhan namin kung anong pwedeng gawin na solusyon sa lahat ng mga lapses namin, gagawin namin," she said.
"Magvi-viewing kami, magte-training kami nang maayos, pagtatrabahuhan namin para makuha namin yung game namin. One game at a time lang po kami," she added.
Cantada had 14 points on 12 attacks, a block and an ace, while Rhose Almendralejo had nine points, all on attacks.