A bold gamble pays off as Herbon’s position switch lifts Alas Girls to history

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Sometimes, the biggest turning points come from the biggest risks.

For Alas Pilipinas Girls, that risk was moving one of their offensive weapons into an unfamiliar role.

The decision to shift wing spiker Nadeth Herbon to libero became the catalyst for the Philippines’ historic breakthrough at the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship, as Alas Pilipinas secured its first-ever world championship victory with a thrilling 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23 win over Mexico on Saturday (Manila time).

The adjustment came after the Philippines struggled against powerhouse China in its opening match.

Herbon had already shown flashes of attacking ability, but the coaching staff saw another way she could influence the game. With her energy, instincts, and defensive awareness, the team believed she could provide the stability needed to compete on the world stage.

The gamble worked.

Herbon transformed the Philippine back row, improving reception and defense while giving Alas Pilipinas’ attackers more chances to score in transition.

With the defense stabilized, Caera Celis continued to shine as the team’s offensive leader. The young star exploded for 24 points, including 22 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Xyz Rayco added 15 points to keep Mexico under pressure.

Jhaynna Bulandres contributed 10 points, while Madele Gale controlled the net with five blocks as the Philippines battled through four tightly contested sets.

The victory was more than just another result.

It was a historic milestone.

The win made Alas Pilipinas the first Philippine girls’ team to win a match in the FIVB U17 World Championship and only the second Philippine squad overall to claim a world championship victory after the Bryan Bagunas-led men’s team accomplished the feat last year.

The achievement even reached Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who was attending the Asian Volleyball Confederation Congress. Suzara shared the breakthrough moment with FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and former president Ary Graca.

“This is a breakthrough for the country, a victory on the world stage,” Suzara said.

For coach Edwin Leyva, the victory validated the belief behind the adjustment.

Herbon’s move to libero was not simply a defensive switch — it was a decision to maximize a player’s strengths and allow her to impact the game in a different way.

Herbon initially shared the position with Frances Ramos before fully embracing the challenge, while Taj Tevez shifted into the offensive rotation.

“It was a tense ride, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I needed to do,” Herbon said.

But the nerves quickly turned into confidence.

“I’m happy because I think I did what was needed on the court. I’m happy my teammates are pleased with the result. I’ll embrace this role all the way to the end,” she added.

The Philippines now sits at 1-1 in Pool B, tied with Mexico, Venezuela, and Peru behind unbeaten China. With more challenges ahead, Alas Pilipinas believes its first world championship victory could be the beginning of something bigger.

“We’re not looking too far ahead, but this win shows that the program works, and the girls have shown they can hold their own on the world stage,” team manager Karl Chan said.