Galang relishes ‘belated’ national team appearance

Ara Galang (left) and Alyssa and Alyssa Valdez finally get to be team- to be teammates in the national national team. —MARLO CUETO

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Norte—Ara Galang made the most of a rare opportunity to represent the country, delivering a spirited performance in Alas Pilipinas’ 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 loss to unbeaten South Korea in the AVC Women’s Cup on Tuesday at Candon City Arena.

The 31-year-old Galang scored all four of her points in the third set, helping the Filipinas mount their strongest challenge against the Koreans, who improved to 3-0 in Pool A.

“I’m very grateful because, honestly, I never expected this opportunity,” Galang said in Filipino. “It may have come later than I imagined, but I’m thankful that it came.”

Galang, who never got the chance to establish herself with the national team during her prime years, embraced her first major stint with Alas Pilipinas after missing out on previous opportunities.

She teamed up with Alas captain Alyssa Valdez as the Filipinas threatened to extend the match, taking an 18-15 lead in the third set behind timely attacks from Galang and consecutive aces from Valdez.

Botched first stint

South Korea, however, responded through Kang So-hwi, who delivered key points down the stretch to help seal the victory. Galang and Niña Ytang helped save two match points before Lee Ju-ah closed out the match.

“It’s unfortunate, but I think we were able to stay close and compete,” Galang said. “We gave everything we had until the last point. It just didn’t go our way.”

Galang was first called up to the national team in 2015 alongside Valdez, but changes in the country’s volleyball leadership prevented that stint from materializing. She also tried out in 2017 and 2018 while recovering from a knee injury, but was again unable to crack the final roster.

Now in the latter stages of her career, the former La Salle star said she is simply grateful to finally wear the national colors.

“I don’t even know what day it is anymore because we’re so focused on the tournament,” Galang said. “We only know who our next opponent is. It’s a privilege to be here.”

Interim coach Shaq Delos Santos shuffled his rotations throughout the match, using Alyssa Solomon and Tots Carlos early before turning to veterans Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina and Galang in an effort to counter the Koreans.

The loss dropped Alas to 2-2 in Pool A and left the Filipinas needing a victory over Chinese Taipei on Thursday, coupled with a favorable result elsewhere, to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

“We’ll continue to give our best and do everything we can to compete,” Galang said.

Thea Gagate paced Alas with nine points on five attacks, three blocks and an ace. Ytang added eight points, while Valdez and Solomon chipped in seven apiece. INQ