CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Alas Pilipinas team captain Alyssa Valdez and ace Alyssa Solomon turn their attention to the lessons learned after their five-set collapse against Australia.
Despite leading by a set at 2-1, the Nationals could not finish the job, falling to the visitors, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15, in Day 2 of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup on Sunday at the Candon City Arena here.
Choosing not to cry over spilled milk, Valdez hopes this loss would be a foundation in their upcoming games in the competition presented by the PSC, FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
READ: AVC: Alas Pilipinas squanders 1-set lead, falls to Australia
“Sayang, but we know na madami pa talaga kaming kailangan matutunan as a team. And hopefully, habang tumatagal 'yung tournament mas marami kaming mai-apply sa mga upcoming games namin,” said the returning national team skipper.
Solomon, who dropped a total of 23 points to lead all scorers, said she remains proud despite what happened.
READ: AVC: Revamped Alas Pilipinas makes quick work of Uzbekistan for first win
“Proud pa rin ako sa nangyari, kasi maraming learnings na nakuha sa game na ‘to,” said the former Osaka Marvelous player.
“And mag-i-improve pa rin naman kami since ilang weeks pa lang naman kami magkakasama so gagawin din namin ‘to as team bond, and mag-i-improve lang kami for the next games.”
The Philippines, now with a 1-1 win-loss record, will face Kyrgyzstan in Pool A on Monday, June 8.

