Valdez, veterans shine as Alas PH creams Uzbekistan

Alas Pilipinas celebrates a point

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur—Alyssa Valdez, Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga have shared victories and heartbreaks while representing the Philippines, including a painful five-set loss to Indonesia in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games bronze-medal match.

Seven years later, the veteran trio found themselves together again in national colors, this time with a different role: guiding a new generation of players while answering the call for country.

Valdez marked her return to the national team with 14 points as Alas Pilipinas opened its campaign in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup with a dominant 25-16, 25-12, 25-14 victory over Uzbekistan in Pool A on Saturday at the Candon City Arena.

“It feels really good. We never thought we’d have the chance to be back here together again, but we’re here now,” Valdez said in Filipino. “We’re taking this opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with the younger players in the national team.”

The 32-year-old captain finished with 11 attacks, two blocks and an ace.

Gonzaga, 34, remained a steady offensive presence with 12 points, while national team newcomer Niña Ytang impressed with 12 points built on eight attacks and four blocks. Molina chipped in 11 markers.

“It’s also great to see that the younger players have become leaders in their own right,” Valdez said. “Their personalities and character have grown so much throughout the three weeks we’ve been together.”

The veteran trio returned to the program after several members of the Alas core, including two-time tournament Best Setter Jia De Guzman, were unavailable. Their comeback also came amid the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation by the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Interim coach Shaq Delos Santos, temporarily taking charge after Tai Bundit’s accident in Bangkok, said he has moved on from the disappointment of the 2019 SEA Games campaign.

“That’s already in the past,” Delos Santos said. “I learned a lot from that experience. Right now, it’s about being more mature in everything we do and understanding what we need to improve, especially our chemistry and relationship with one another.”

Alas Pilipinas will seek a second straight win against Australia on Sunday at 3 p.m. Only the top two teams in the pool will advance to the knockout semifinals.

“For now, we’ll appreciate this win and use it as inspiration for tomorrow’s game,” Delos Santos said. “We need to prepare even more because facing Australia will require another set of adjustments.”

Molina, meanwhile, welcomed the chance to play alongside Valdez and Gonzaga again.

“Personally, I’m very happy because I’m with them again, just like back in 2019,” she said. “Leadership comes naturally. Everyone is capable of leading and we’re all learning how to follow each other as well for the sake of teamwork.”

Kyle Negrito directed the offense, while liberos Kyla Atienza and Alyssa Eroa anchored the defense. Thea Gagate added eight points, while Tin Ubaldo, Cla Loresco, Tots Carlos and Royse Tubino also saw action.

Alyssa Solomon, a late addition to the squad and a member of last year’s silver medal-winning team, did not play as Delos Santos said she still needs more time to prepare. INQ