John Aldrin Cullat

Alas Pilipinas rediscovered its rhythm after falling to Vietnam in opener as they strike back to a four-set win against China’s Sichuan Wuliangchun, 25-12, 25-22, 19-25, 25-15 to capture its first victory in the 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup on Monday, June 10, at Vinh Phuc Gymnasium, Vietnam.

Photo Courtesy of Facebook/Usports.

Two-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle led the charge as she powers Alas with 11 points from nine attacks while MJ Phillips added seven points.

The Nationals found an early lead as they took advantage of China’s nine errors in the first set off to Van Sickle’s three attacks and an ace, posting a 7-0 run in the opener, 25-12.

The Chinese squad roared back after Alas blew off a 15-10 lead midway in the second set, cutting the gap to two, 17-15.

But Alas stayed in control as Van Sickle’s backrow hit and Gandler’s attack sealed the second set, 25-22.

Gritty Chinese bets came off a strong start in the third set as they connected with an early 10-9 lead.

Alas Pilipinas held off a Chinese third set surge led by AVC Cup reserve Leila Cruz and team captain Jia de Guzman after converting two attacks and one drop point respectively, 9-all.

But the Filipinas saw their momentum slip in the third frame as Sichuan pulled off a 15-9 rally midway to extend their hopes to the fourth set, 19-25.

However, Alas repulsed after pulling off a 10 point-lead powered by Vanie Gandler’s kill and Dell Palomata’s block in the latter part, securing its first ever victory in the tourney.

The Filipinas also capitalized on China's 29 errors while limiting their faults to just 16.

With the win, coach Jorge Souza De Brito’s new look cards drew level with  Sichuan in second-spot in Pool A at 1-1.

Alas will aim to hold on to their second seed as they face the Aussies tomorrow, July 1, at 3:00 PM (Manila time).