Alas Girls Bow to Japan in FIVB U17 World Championship Classification

Alas Pilipinas Girls bowed to Japan in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 25-16, in the 9th-16th place classification match at the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Santiago, Chile, on Saturday morning (Manila time).

The Philippines suffered its fourth consecutive loss, including a Round of 16 defeat to South Korea, and will look to bounce back against Venezuela in its next classification clash.

Miko Takahashi led Japan with 15 points from 11 attacks and 4 aces, while Reina Nakagawa added 10 points, including 4 blocks.

Caera Celis paced the Alas Girls with a match-high 16 points from 13 attacks, 2 blocks and an ace, but her efforts were not enough to overcome Japan.

Despite the losing skid, the Alas Girls have already secured the best-ever finish by a Philippine team in a Volleyball World Championship.