The Alas Pilipinas Girls have secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship despite suffering a five-set loss to Venezuela in San Felipe, Chile.
The Philippines battled Venezuela in a tightly contested match, forcing a deciding fifth set after recovering from an early two-set deficit.
The Alas Pilipinas Girls took an 11-10 lead in the final frame, but Venezuela answered with five straight points to regain control and close out the match, 15-11.
Caera Celis and Xyz Rayco spearheaded the Philippine offense, helping the team mount a comeback after dropping the opening two sets.
Venezuela took the first two frames, 25-19 and 25-16, before the Philippines fought back to claim the third and fourth sets, 25-22 and 25-19, to force the decider.
Despite the setback, the result was enough for the Alas Pilipinas Girls to advance to the Round of 16, keeping their campaign alive in the prestigious international tournament.
The Philippines will now shift its focus to the knockout stage as it continues its bid to make a deeper run in the U17 World Championship.
(Photo Courtesy: PNVF/Volleyball World)
