Alas Girls Advance to FIVB U17 World Championship Round of 16

The Alas Pilipinas Girls punched their ticket to the Round of 16 of the FIVB Girls U17 World Championship despite falling to Venezuela in a grueling five-set battle, 19-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-19, 11-15, early Wednesday morning (Manila time) in San Felipe, Chile.

The young Filipina squad rallied from a 0-2 set deficit to force a deciding fifth set against Venezuela, but ultimately fell short.

Despite the setback, the Philippines edged Mexico for fourth place in Pool B on points, securing its spot in the next round.

Caera Celis led Alas Pilipinas with 24 points, while Xyz Rayco added 19 against Venezuela.

Alas Pilipinas now shifts its focus to a tough Round of 16 clash against world No. 12 South Korea on Thursday morning (Manila time).