CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Alas Pilipinas crashed out of 2026 AVC Women’s Cup semifinals contention, but interim head coach Shaq delos Santos and captain Alyssa Valdez are keeping their high hopes for the national team program.
For Valdez, their campaign is still a stepping stone for younger players, such as Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang, to be better.
“Marami pang maaabot ‘yung mga bata dito, so hopefully magandang experience ‘to para sa kanila,” said Valdez after their 16-25, 14-25, 10-25 loss to Chinese Taipei in Pool A on Thursday at the Candon City Arena here.
READ: AVC: Alas Pilipinas bows out of semis contention after loss to Chinese Taipei
Delos Santos is keeping his optimism, despite knowing that they may not reach the output the community is looking forward to.
“We need to accept na ganito talaga ‘yung pwedeng nangyari. But, ‘di kami mawawalan ng hope kasi mas gusto naming maging better pa ‘yung volleyball natin,” he said.
Only formed for around two weeks, this version of Alas Women seemed to have lacked the time to prepare — and both Valdez and Delos Santos acknowledged it.
READ: Gregorio says PSC’s focus is on Alas Women’s program for FIVB Worlds 2029
“Malaking factor dito is ‘yung preparation namin. And then, siguro, talagang kailangan pa ng more time para dito,” said the former Cignal mentor.
“Siyempre kailangan din ng quality time together, together as a team,” said the Creamline captain.
They now eye a victory to conclude the AVC Cup presented by the PSC, FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
“Kailangan namin talagang pagtrabahuhan pa. So, may ilang days kami to train. So hopefully, mas ma-polish pa namin and makapag-communicate kami as a team,” said Valdez.
“Ang magiging main goal, siyempre best na magagawa namin para maipanalo namin ‘yung game. Kasi gusto namin mag-end ‘tong tournament na high note kami,” said Delos Santos.