Alas Pilipinas during an AVC Nations Cup game against Kazakhstan. –AVC PHOTO
The trio of Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and Alyssa Solomon proved that the future of the Alas Pilipinas program is in good hands, powering the team to a second straight semifinal appearance in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.
The three UAAP MVPs spearheaded Alas Pilipinas’ 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 upset of Kazakhstan—last year’s semifinal tormentor—on Thursday at Dong Anh Arena in Hanoi, Vietnam. The sweep clinched the top spot in Pool B with a 4-1 record, as Kazakhstan played without injured star Sana Anarkulova.
READ: Alas Pilipinas stuns Kazakhstan, secures AVC semifinals spot anew
Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP of National University, rose to the occasion against the World No.30 Kazakhs, who were the team’s semis tormentors last year, leading the charge with 16 points off 14 kills and two blocks.
The first overall pick of Capital1 in the stacked 2025 PVL Rookie Draft class just believed amid facing a taller and more experienced team.
Alas Pilipinas’ Bella Belen during an AVC Nations Cup game against Kazakhstan. –AVC PHOTO
“I’ve faced Kazakhstan a few times before with different players, but my mindset was always that we had a chance to beat them because anything can happen in volleyball,” said Belen in Filipino. “We knew they were a strong team, so we really prepared for them. We watched their game against Iran and studied what we could do to get the upper hand.”
READ: Alas Pilipinas defies odds vs Kazakhstan on Independence Day
La Salle standout Canino, the UAAP’s second Rookie-MVP after Belen, said their previous lapses—especially their five-set loss to Iran on Monday—taught them to be tougher and more disciplined.
“Honestly, we didn’t expect to win in just three sets because Kazakhstan is known for having strong players. We’re really thankful and proud of each other because we all gave our best,” said Canino, the tournament’s reigning Best Opposite Hitter.
She also credited team captain Jia De Guzman and veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig for keeping the squad steady.
“Whatever happened in our past games became lessons for us. We brought those lessons into this match and made sure not to repeat the same mistakes. I’m super proud of everyone, especially Ate Dawn and Ate Jia,” Canino added.
Solomon, named Finals MVP in UAAP Season 86, finished with 14 points, including a back-row hit and an ace to seal the straight-sets victory.
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Alas Pilipinas now eyes a championship berth, facing the No. 2 team from Pool A in a knockout semifinal on Friday.
