Final round

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine women’s volleyball team aims to cap its historic run in the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup with a medal.

Although relegated to the battle for bronze, Alas Pilipinas still aims for a breakthrough podium finish versus Australia.

Vietnam, meanwhile, looks to defend its crown against Kazakhstan in the finale, with the winner also securing a ticket to the 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup.

All games will still be played at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. 

Here’s the schedule of the medal round and classification games:

MAY 29, WEDNESDAY

• 10 am – Indonesia vs Hong Kong (battle for 7th)
• 1 pm – India vs Iran (battle for 5th)
• 4 pm – Philippines vs Australia (battle for 3rd)
• 7 pm – Vietnam vs Kazakhstan (final)

Semifinals

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine women’s volleyball team looks to continue its surprising run in the semifinals of the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup.

Alas Pilipinas, the unexpected Pool A leader after a 4-0 sweep, battles Kazakhstan, the Pool B second seed with a 3-1 record, in the knockout, cross-pool semifinals.

Defending champion Vietnam, also unbeaten in four games in Pool B, takes on Australia, the No. 2 team in Pool A with a 3-1 slate, in the other semis pairing.

All games will still be played at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. 

Here’s the schedule of the semifinals and classification games of eliminated teams:

MAY 28, TUESDAY

• 10 am – India vs Indonesia (classification)
• 1 pm – Hong Kong vs Iran (classification)
• 4 pm – Vietnam vs Australia (semifinals)
• 7 pm – Philippines vs Kazakhstan (semifinals)

Elimination round

The Philippine women’s volleyball team hopes to pull off some upsets as the country hosts the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup from May 22-29. 

Newly nicknamed Alas Pilipinas, the national team (world No. 63) takes on higher-ranked teams in Pool A, including last year’s bronze medalist Chinese Taipei (No. 44), Iran (No. 57), Australia (No. 59), and India (No. 62).

Pool B features tougher competition with last year’s champion Vietnam, runner-up Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Hong Kong mixing it up.

All games will be played at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. 

Here’s the Philippines’ schedule in the preliminary round: 

May 23, Thursday, 7 pm – Philippines vs Australia

May 24, Friday, 7 pm – India vs Philippines

May 25, Saturday, 7 pm – Philippines vs Iran

May 26, Sunday, 7 pm – Chinese Taipei vs Philippines

The Philippines will field a mix of veteran and collegiate standouts led by Jia de Guzman, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, and Thea Gagate. 

Also in the roster are Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Vanie Gandler, Faith Nisperos, Julia Coronel, Jen Nierva, Fifi Sharma, and Cherry Nunag.

The tournament champion will secure a spot in the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup, where teams will fight for a berth in the elite Volleyball Nations League.

A second-tier event, the AVC does not include Asian powerhouses like China, Japan, and Thailand.

Here’s the complete tournament schedule:

 – Rappler.com