Despite the loss, team captain Jia de Guzman is proud of Alas Pilipinas as they did not falter against Vietnam in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup.
Alas Pilipinas didn’t get the result they wanted in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup, bowing out from the tournament after their straight-set defeat to Vietnam, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21.
The world no. 56 Philippines simply had no answer for Vietnam's opposite hitter, Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen, who finished with 30 points on 27 attacks and three blocks.
Despite the early exit, team captain Jia de Guzman couldn’t be any prouder of the team’s effort after showing their heart throughout the match.
“I’m very proud of my girls talaga, kasi nakita ko naman lahat lumaban. Every point until the end, binigay talaga namin ‘yung best namin,” de Guzman told reporters after the match.
“In terms of experience, kapos pa talaga kami. Pero alam namin aabot din kami dun eventually. So lahat ng puwede naming ibigay, every game may matutunan kami manalo o matalo,” she added.
Alas is coming off their dream run in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, where the Philippines finished with a historic bronze medal.
[ALSO READ: Jia de Guzman reflects on ‘surreal’ feeling after leading Alas Pilipinas to a historic bronze in AVC Challenge Cup]
As they continued their preparations for the FIVB Challenge Cup, de Guzman liked the growing chemistry she had seen between the team against Vietnam.
“Maganda rin makita kasi sa team namin na kahit naghahabol kami or napupuntusan kami ng malakas, every one is really communicating and adjusting in game. So nakikita na nag-iimprove ‘yung chemistry namin paunti-onti,” said de Guzman.
Before the tournament, a lot of criticism was hurled regarding the roster changes in the team. Jia asked fans for trust.
This is a process, this is continuity, and this is something she had been asking to have for a long time.
“All we have to do is to retain the team, keep playing together, and hopefully next time na magkita, mas maganda ‘yung ipakita,” she added.
The training and build-up continue for Alas as the Filipinas prepare for the Southeast Asian V.League in August.