Peter Jandrei Melan

Alas Pilipinas Women wrapped up the group stage of the 2025 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup with authority, sweeping Australia, 25-13, 25-15, 25-20, on Tuesday to solidify their hold on the No. 2 spot in Pool A.

Photo Courtesy of AVC.

The Philippines officially secured the second, as the seed tournament host Vietnam prevailed over Sichuan Wuliangchun in the final match of pool play. 

A second-place finish would set up a quarterfinal showdown against Est Cola, Thailand’s under-21 national squad and a participant in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference.

Alas Pilipinas showed poise and firepower throughout the straight-sets victory, mirroring the intensity and cohesion that earned them a bronze medal in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup held in Manila.

Petro Gazz standouts Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips continued their stellar form, spearheading an 18-6 scoring blitz that sealed the opening set in commanding fashion. 

The Filipinas never looked back, building a double-digit lead late in the second frame and maintaining their edge in the third with contributions from Vanie Gandler, Leila Cruz, and Alleiah Malaluan.

With the win, Philippines entered the knockout phase with momentum and confidence. 

They are set to take a one-day break before returning to the court for Thursday’s quarterfinals, where a crucial test against Thailand’s rising stars awaits.