Hanoi heartbreak: Alas suffers first loss in AVC Nations Cup as Iran sneaks in 5-set thriller

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Alas Pilipinas goes toe-to-toe with Iran off strong showings from Angel Canino, Eya Laure, and Dell Palomata, but eventually falls in a 5-set heartbreaker for its first loss in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Alas Pilipinas’ dream undefeated start in the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup came to a heartbreaking end as unbeaten Iran powered through a hard-earned five-set win, 16-25, 25-21, 24-26, 23-25, 15-13, in Hanoi, Vietnam on Monday, June 9.

Fatemeh Khalili led the cardiac win as Iran climbed to a spotless 3-0 record in Pool B with 21 points off 19 attacks and 2 blocks. Angel Canino topscored in the sorry setback of Alas with 20 off 17 hits, 2 rejections, and 1 ace.

Eya Laure added 16 points off 12 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace, while underrated veteran Dell Palomata scored 10 off 10 hits and 3 more rejections to her name as the Philippines fell to a 2-1 slate in its pursuit of a semifinals spot.

Down 9-7 in the winner-take-all fifth set, Alas showed great grit and heart with one last rally to power ahead, 11-9, capped by a Shaina Nitura hit.

The Filipinas still led, 13-11, off a crucial Vanie Gandler ace, but Iran responded with a hit and a block on Canino for the 13-all tie, further boosted with a subsequent Canino attack error to barge into match point, 14-13.

Though Alas got breathing room off a good center line fault challenge to revert a 15-13 decision down to 14-13, Iran definitively seized back its winning finish as Zarah Salehi blocked Canino to seal the deal for good.

Alas will get a day off to lick its wounds before rebounding against undefeated and top-ranked Kazakhstan on Wednesday, June 11, 4 pm, before wrapping up the elimination round against New Zealand on Philippine Independence Day Thursday, June 12, 11 am. – Rappler.com