Alas girls beat Mexico, make history in U17 World Championship

Alas Pilipinas girls celebrate during a win over Mexico in the FIVB U17 World Championship in San Felipe, Chile.–VOLLEYBALL WORLD PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas girls proved they belong on the global stage after a breakthrough win in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship.

The Philippines took down Mexico, 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, for its first Pool B win on Saturday morning (Manila time) in San Felipe, Chile.

Mexico threatened to force a decider with a 22-20 lead in the fourth set after Caera Celis missed her spike.

READ: Alas girls still upbeat after ugly loss in U17 World Championship

But Celis, who has been impressive in the tournament so far, made up for her mistake right away, followed by back-to-back aces from Jhaynna Bulandres, before the former scored an off-the-block hit to reach match point, 24-22.

Gabriela Ayala saved a point for the Mexicans, but Celis soared to deliver the history-clinching attack off the hands of Ayala to put the Philippines in the win column.

The 16-year-old Celis, a St. John’s Institute standout from Bacolod, dazzled with 24 points from 22 kills, one block, and an ace.

Alas girls improved its record to 1-1, bouncing back from a straight-set loss to defending champion and World No. 1 China.

With its first win, the debuting national youth team already matched the achievement of Alas Pilipinas men in the FIVB Men’s World Championship Manila last year, winning a game at the world level.

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Xyz Rayco, who led the team to world championship qualification with a fifth-place finish in last year’s AVC U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan, was also instrumental with 15 points off 12 kills, two aces, and a block.

Madele Gale dominated the frontline with five blocks to finish with 10 points, while Bulandres also scored 10, highlighted by three aces. Sharina Rhyza Lleses added seven.

Alas eyes a second straight win against Tunisia on Sunday at 5 a.m. (Manila time).

Mexico dropped to a 1-1 record, failing to carry the momentum from its five-set win over Venezuela on opening day.

Ayala led the Mexicans with 15 points. Isabella Gallardo had 14, while Evelyn Diaz added 13.