Alas survives Solomon exit in comeback win vs Indonesia, climbs to 2-0

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Angel Canino, Bella Belen, and Shaina Nitura rise to the occasion after Alyssa Solomon departs due to a twisted ankle as Alas Pilipinas wins its first two matches in the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Alas Pilipinas overcame the departure of top scorer Alyssa Solomon to stay unbeaten in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, following a 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 28-26 win over regional rival Indonesia on Sunday, June 8.

Solomon paced the Philippines with 17 points built on 10 attacks, 4 blocks, and 3 aces, although she left the match early in the fourth set and never returned after twisting her left ankle.

But plenty of heroes rose to the occasion for Alas, with UAAP MVPs Angel Canino and Bella Belen sharing the scoring load, and UAAP super rookie Shaina Nitura delivering crucial hits in the endgame.

Canino also finished with 17 points highlighted by 13 attacks, the last of which put the Filipinas at match points, 27-26, before Nitura sealed the deal with an off-the-block hit as Alas improved to 2-0 in Pool B after a dominant straight-sets win over Mongolia the day prior.

Belen posted 12 points, while Nitura chimed in 6 points — an upgrade from her one-point performance against Mongolia.

It was Belen who made key plays when the Philippines was on the brink of a 0-2 set deficit after Indonesia grabbed a 23-22 lead in the second set.

Belen, who is tipped to be picked first overall in the PVL Rookie Draft later on Sunday, knotted the score at 23-23 thanks to an accidental hit that got ruled a point following a challenge then hammered an attack as the Filipinas pulled level at 1-1.

Alas then crushed a stunned Indonesia in the third set, with 5 of its 12 block points coming in the frame.

Fifi Sharma also contributed for the Philippines with 7 points laced by 3 blocks, Dell Palomata added 6 points, while Vanie Gandler and Eya Laure had 5 points each.

Ersandrina Devega and Ajeng Viona Adelea churned out 22 and 21 points, respectively, for Indonesia, which fell to 0-2.

Ranked 48th in the world, Alas looks to remain perfect as it battles world No. 56 Iran at 4 pm on Monday, June 9. – Rappler.com