Solomon's 23-point spark can't save Alas from losing to Australia

June 8 ------ A 23-point Alyssa Solomon spark off the bench couldn't save Alas Pilipinas Women from a 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 defeat to Australia in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup at the Candon City Arena.

The hosts took a two sets to one lead but couldn't avoid an upset against an Australian side they swept in the bronze-medal match of this same tournament two years ago. Alas dropped to 1-1 (win-loss) in Pool A play. Coming off a strong national team debut against Uzbekistan, Niña Ytang also delivered a standout performance in the middle, albeit in a loss this time, with 13 points on nine attacks, three aces, and one block.

Team captain Alyssa Valdez helped steady the offense in a valiant effort with 11 attack points. The Nationals will have little time to dwell on the setback, however, with winless Kyrgyzstan next on its schedule when group-stage action resumes on Monday at 3 p.m. Australia is ranked significantly lower than the Philippines in the current FIVB world rankings at No. 81 - 35 spots lower than the hosts.

Alas Women found themselves on the back foot early as Australia controlled the opening set from start to finish. Seeking a spark, interim coach Shaq delos Santos turned to Solomon in a move that quickly paid dividends as the 6-foot-1 winger powered a late second-set comeback, scoring the Nationals' final three points to erase a 21-23 deficit in Set 2.

The youthful and towering Aussies fought back from a two sets to one deficit behind a dominant net presence, turning their height advantage into a 16-5 edge in blocks to seize control in the fourth set and force a decider. Australia eventually completed the comeback and secured its first win of the tournament after a match-deciding block-touch challenge involving Royse Tubino went in its way in the fifth set.

Source: spin.ph