Alas Pilipinas player celebrate with fans after sealing a semifinals berth in the AVC Nations Cup. –AVC PHOTO

On Independence Day, Alas Pilipinas stood fearless against the much-taller and last year’s runner-up Kazakhstan, booking its second straight semifinal appearance in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.

Team captain Jia De Guzman praised her teammates for staying locked in and showing no fear in a must-win match, as the Filipino spikers pulled off a stunning 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 sweep to top Pool B with a 4-1 record on Thursday at Dong Anh Arena in Hanoi, Vietnam.

READ: Alas Pilipinas stuns Kazakhstan, secures AVC semifinals spot anew

“Honestly, right after yesterday’s game, the moment we got into the dugout, our minds were already focused on Kazakhstan. We knew today would be a tough match, and we had to give our very best to win,” said De Guzman in Filipino.

“I still can’t believe we won in straight sets. We just told ourselves we’d step on the court and do whatever it takes to win, and I’m so proud of my teammates.”

De Guzman, the tournament’s reigning Best Setter, orchestrated a balanced attack with the potent trio of Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and Alyssa Solomon, who combined for 42 points.

Alas, which captured a historic AVC bronze at Rizal Memorial Coliseum last year, avenged its semifinal loss to World No. 30 Kazakhstan.

The 30-year-old captain said the team is riding high on momentum as it prepares for the semifinal against the No. 2 team from Pool A.

“No matter who we face in the next round, this win is a huge boost for our confidence. That’s exactly what we needed from today’s game and even from the other wins in this round. I still can’t believe it, but I’m so happy,” said De Guzman. “We’ve been looking for our rhythm throughout the tournament, and it finally clicked at the perfect time against Kazakhstan.”