Alas Pilipinas will face off against higher-ranked teams in the upcoming 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
Ready or not, Alas Pilipinas are set to begin their campaign in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, where the national team will face off against other Asian nations for a chance at qualifying for the FIVB Challenge Cup.
After the Philippines’ 7th-place finish last year, Alas Pilipinas will be seeking a podium finish this time around, especially with the stacked roster they have for the tournament.
But what does the competition look like? Well, look no further. Below are some of the noteworthy things to remember for Alas Pilipinas’ upcoming matches.
Philippines (63) vs. Australia (59): May 23, 7:00 p.m.
- LIVE on One Sports | One Sports+ | Pilipinas Live app
First up for Alas Pilipinas will be the 59th-ranked Australia—a team that the Philippines is no stranger to facing in volleyball tournaments.
Last year, Faith Nisperos and the Akari Chargers-backed national team faced Australia in Pool E, falling in four sets, 18-25, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25.
Australia finished the tournament in sixth place, while the Filipinas settled for seventh. But heading into the tournament, Australia had struggled in its past matches, losing its past four games.
Players to watch: Cameron Zajer and Elysse Hislop
Philippines (63) vs. India (62): May 24, 7:00 p.m.
- LIVE on Pilipinas Live app
- Telecast 11:30 p.m. on One Sports
Despite just a spot away from each other in world rankings, no. 62 India has had greater success in the the AVC Challenge Cup, finishing with a silver medal in the 2022 edition of the tournament.
Even with the Philippines winning against India last year in extended fashion, 25-22, 26-28, 11-25, 29-27, 18-16, the South Asian nation still finished fourth after falling to Chinese Taipei in the bronze medal round.
India’s last international match came in a win over Australia after a thrilling five-set victory last September 6.
Players to watch: Jini K.S and Saranya N.S
Philippines (63) vs. Iran (57): May 25, 7:00 p.m.
- LIVE on One Sports | One Sports+ | Pilipinas Live app
The 57th-ranked Iran will be another strong opponent for Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Challenge Cup.
In last year’s tournament, Iran won its match against the Philippines in the 5th-to-8th place match, 25-20, 25-13, 25-16.
Before a loss to Chinese Taipei, Iran was on a three-game winning streak, defeating Mongolia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines in the process.
Players to watch: Mahsa Kadkhoda and Mona Derismahmoudi
Philippines (63) vs. Chinese Taipei (44): May 26, 7:00 p.m.
- LIVE on One Sports | One Sports+ | Pilipinas Live app
The highest-ranked opponent of Alas Pilipinas, Chinese Taipei, will be a difficult opponent for the Philippines in Pool A.
In 2023, Chinese Taipei secured the bronze medal after defeating India.
Chinese Taipei is entering the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup off of three-straight victories, all of which were straight-set wins.
Players to watch: Wu Fang-yu and Chang Li-Wen
Expect Alas Pilipinas to give it their all as they vie for a better finish and performance this time around.