Alas Women fall to South Korea, face must-win vs Chinese Taipei in AVC Cup

Alas Pilipinas mounted one final stand as Ara Galang scored off the block and Niña Ytang denied Kang at the net to save two match points.

But Lee Juah delivered the match-clinching slide attack to seal South Korea’s victory, sending them into a share of the Pool A lead with Chinese Taipei at 3-0 in the tournament co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City headed by Mayor Eric Singson.

“Sayang pero maganda naman yung nakipagsabayan kami, nakadikit kami. Effort lang yung sa last point, yun nga sayang,” said Galang, who helped spark the Philippines’ fightback in the third set as they went toe-to-toe with Chinese Taipei.

With the defeat, Alas Pilipinas dropped to 2-2 and must now beat Chinese Taipei in its final pool match to stay in contention for a semifinal berth.

Even then, the Filipinas will need other results to go their way, as their path to the top four is no longer fully in their control.

Thea Gagate led the Philippines for the second straight game with nine points on five attacks, three blocks, and one ace.

Niña Ytang added eight points, while Alyssa Valdez and Alyssa Solomon chipped in seven markers each in the one-hour, 14-minute defeat.

The Philippines will face Chinese Taipei on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

On the other hand, Kang paced South Korea with 19 points, while Lee and Na Hyunsoo contributed 12 points each.