In ‘final years’ of playing, Jovelyn Gonzaga shows she still has it

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Jovelyn Gonzaga, the oldest member of Alas Pilipinas at 34, turned back the clock to help sweep Uzbekistan in their AVC Women’s Cup opener on Saturday at Candon City Arena here. At the tail end of her celebrated career, Jovelyn Gonzaga savored her national team comeback with an inspiring 12-point effort.

READ: Alas Pilipinas sweeps Uzbekistan in AVC Women’s Cup debut

Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina, and Jov Gonzaga after winning their first game for Alas. #AVCWomensCup @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/F3C8OVqwoa

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 6, 2026

The veteran opposite spiker already gave way to the younger players to represent the national team after the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and shifted to playing beach volleyball in 2022 and 2023. But when the program needed players after its core players begged off from competing, Gonzaga didn’t hesitate to answer the call. In her comeback, Gonzaga proved that she still has it and playing with much purpose to enjoy what’s left in her career. “I just want to enjoy the final years of my playing career, and I want to leave behind good memories in volleyball,” she said in Filipino after Alas’ dominant 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 victory.

READ: Jovelyn Gonzaga says it’s hard to say no to country’s call

  Gonzaga, with her 2019 teammates Alyssa Valdez and Ces Molina, leads young guns like Niña Ytang, Alyssa Solomon, Cla Loresco, and Tin Ubaldo.   Alas eyes its second win against Australia on Sunday at 3 p.m., with Gonzaga eager to continue her fine form.

“We’re happy because we’re slowly understanding and adapting to the coaches’ program. We’ll continue to work hard, put in the effort, and do even better in the games ahead,” said the ZUS Coffee veteran.