Alas Pilipinas Women pose for a photo following their semis-clinching triumph against Kazakhstan in the AVC Women's Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam on June 12, 2025. AVC photo
Jia de Guzman is one proud team captain as Alas Pilipinas defied the odds, crushing Kazakhstan in only three sets on Independence Day, 25-21, 25-15, 25-19, in the AVC Women's Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.
De Guzman shared that after their game against New Zealand on Wednesday, Alas Women were quick to shift focus to their next opponent, the Kazakhs.
And she knew exactly why.
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The eight-time PVL Best Setter underscored that they needed the best from each and everyone to topple the Asian powerhouse.
And the rest was history.
“After yesterday’s match [won over New Zealand], Kazakhstan was already in our minds as we left the court for the dugout,” the Alas setter and captain said. “We knew the Kazakhs are a tough matchup and we needed our best to beat them.”
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De Guzman, a former player of Denso Airybees in Japan, could not believe that they have done it.
Not just they defeated Kazakhstan, but the Nationals also concluded pool play emerging on top, securing a bus ride to the next round.
De Guzman said this win would boost the team against their eventual semis rival.
“It’s unbelievable, a straight sets win for us, I’m really proud of my teammates,” she said. “This victory is a big morale-booster for us.”
Next up for Alas in the semis is the second seed of Pool A on Friday, June 13.