Alyssa Solomon earns praise from Australia coach despite Alas loss

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026

A game between Alas Pilipinas and Australia in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY — Australia coach Russell Borgeaud had nothing but praise for Alas Pilipinas star Alyssa Solomon, who made life difficult for the Volleyroos in their Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup match.

Solomon poured in 23 points off 22 kills and one block, but Alas Pilipinas suffered a meltdown at the hands of Australia, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15, on Sunday at Candon City Arena here.

Australia coach Russell Borgeaud praises Alas star Alyssa Solomon. #AVCWomensCup | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/xr1zD8Dk3X

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 7, 2026

“The opposite, number 6, I think, was excellent. She really made it very difficult,” said Borgeaud.

The Australian coach also acknowledged the effort of a retooled Philippine squad, which is missing several key players from previous campaigns.

“I know there were some players that were missing as well, but the players that came out gave their best, played exceptionally well in periods and made it difficult for us,” said Borgeaud.

Australia in action vs Alas Pilipinas n the AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The victory was Australia’s first over the Philippines since the 2018 AVC tournament in Nakhon Ratchasima after dropping their last three meetings dating back to 2022.

“It’s been a long time since we beat the Philippines. I expected it to be very tight. We knew it would be a difficult game. We probably made it harder for ourselves with some errors at one stage, but the Philippines took full advantage and played very well in that period. It was always going to be a tough game,” he said.

Borgeaud also credited the passionate home crowd, which packed the Candon City Arena behind Alas Pilipinas.

“To control the crowd, you have to control the ball. When we can control the ball and win some points, it keeps the crowd a little bit quiet. But having said that, the crowd, they’re just a beautiful crowd. They make a very positive noise. They’re not cheering against us. They’re cheering for their team, as they should.  And it’s a fun, it’s always a fun crowd to play in front of.”

Australia captain Mikaela Stevens was equally proud of her team after surviving the challenge posed by Solomon and Alas Pilipinas.

“I think I’m super proud of our team. We’re a young group, and we’re consistently adding new girls into the squad. So I’m just proud that they showed up and played their best volleyball. Sometimes not our best, but it was still really fun,” Stevens said.

“I think we just often try to look each other in the eyes. We try to show the belief in each other at every point, and we back each other. That’s something we’ve worked on back at home.”