Alas Pilipinas girls fall to China in FIVB U17 Worlds debut

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas Girls put up a gallant stand in the second set, but it wasn’t enough to hold off defending champion and World No. 1 China, which swept the debutants, 25-18, 25-21, 25-13, in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship on Friday in San Felipe, Chile.

Caera Celis shone in the national youth team’s world championship debut, leading all scorers with 13 points built on 12 attacks and an ace.

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Celis drilled a kill, followed by Jhaynna Bulandres’ ace, to give the Philippines an 8-7 lead in the second set as Alas stayed within striking distance until China opened a 21-15 cushion.

The young Filipinas refused to fold, scoring off five straight points behind timely kills from Celis and two aces from Bulandres, but China recovered to close out the set and take a commanding two-set lead.

The reigning champion raced to a 20-9 advantage in the third set and never looked back to secure its first Pool B win.

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Chen Ruihan led China with 12 points. Ren Sichen chipped in 11, while Zhao Yuhan and Zhang Yijia added nine apiece.

Alas, which qualified after finishing fifth in the AVC U16 Women’s Championship in Amman, Jordan, looks to bounce back against Mexico on Saturday morning (Philippine time).

Xyz Rayco contributed seven points. Bulandres had five, while Princess Khaira Manzano and Madele Gale added four apiece.