SANTIAGO, Chile — Alas Pilipinas Girls will get another chance to defeat Venezuela on Saturday as they return to action in the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship at Parque Estadio Nacional.
The Philippines is looking to avenge its five-set loss to Venezuela earlier in the tournament and improve its position in the lower playoff bracket.
Team manager Karl Chan took over the coaching duties after head coach Edwin Leyva was sidelined by a stomach ailment.
The Alas Girls initially responded strongly against world No. 2 Japan, displaying competitive volleyball early in the match.
However, the team’s demanding schedule against strong opponents took its toll as the Philippines eventually lost to Japan, 23-25, 19-25, 16-25.
The result sent Japan to the playoffs for ninth to 12th places, while the Philippines dropped into the 13th-to-16th place bracket.
Venezuela also lost its previous match, falling to Poland, 8-25, 21-25, 16-25, setting up another meeting with the Philippines just days after their first encounter in San Felipe.
The Alas Pilipinas Girls, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Asics, will fight for either 13th or 15th place depending on the result of their rematch against Venezuela.
