Thea Gagate hopes to show more after best game for Alas

Thea Gagate and Alyssa Valdez during Alas Pilipinas’ victory over Kyrgyzstan in the AVC Women’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Thea Gagate played her best game yet in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup ahead of Alas Pilipinas’ big game against powerhouse South Korea.

With Alas needing to bounce back from a five-set meltdown against Australia less than 24 hours ago, Gagate stood tall with 11 points in a 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 domination of Kyrgyzstan to improve to a 2-1 record in Pool A on Monday at Candon City Arena here.

“I always look back at the things I still need to improve and where I can gain more confidence, especially when it comes to my blocking,” said Gagate in Filipino after scattering eight kills, two blocks, and an ace.

READ: Alas Pilipinas stays in semis hunt, overpowers Kyrgyzstan

Thea Gagate on their bounce back win. #AVCWomensCup @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/82Dl1szclv

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 8, 2026

The former PVL Rookie of the Year from ZUS Coffee is eager to share her experience with the new-look team after representing the national squad in their 2024 breakthrough bronze-medal run in the AVC and reaching the final last year before losing to defending champion Vietnam.

“I think I can share the lessons I learned from my previous stints with the national team, especially with the younger players. At the same time, I’m doing my best to give everything I can for the team,” said Gagate.

“It’s about giving my best and applying everything I’ve learned from my previous national team tournaments. Hopefully, I can show even more in the upcoming games because those matches are very important,” she added.

Gagate and the rest of the Nationals have also kept their focus on winning despite the issues surrounding the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

READ: Alas comes up short vs Aussies despite big games from Alyssas

“We’re really just focused on ourselves and our teammates. There’s a lot of trust within the team, and especially in our coaches. They’ve played a huge role in helping us come together and become more united,” said the former La Salle star.

Gagate braces for a crucial game against the 2-0 Korea, which was relegated from the Volleyball Nations League and is currently World No. 38 and sixth in Asia.

“For us, it’s about executing what we’ve been working on in training. We know they’re a very fast team, so we need to adjust quickly and match their pace,” she said.