Alas Girls surrender big lead as Peru rallies to end winning streak

08-11 09:57

Alas Pilipinas Girls appeared ready to seize control of their latest World Championship battle after building a commanding lead in the third set.

Instead, Peru turned the match around and left the young Filipinas fighting to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.

The Philippines dropped a hard-fought 28-26, 22-25, 23-25, 20-25 decision to Peru on Tuesday morning (Manila time) at Liceo Particular Mixto San Felipe in Pool B of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.

Alas Pilipinas entered the match riding a two-game winning streak and took the opening set in a tense battle that extended beyond the usual 25-point mark.

After Peru leveled the match in the second set, the Philippines looked poised to regain control in the third.

Alas raced to a 15-5 advantage, putting itself within striking distance of a 2-1 lead. But Peru refused to fold.

The Peruvians unleashed a stunning 20-8 closing surge, completely erasing the deficit and flipping the momentum of the match.

Peru carried that confidence into the fourth set, gradually pulling away as the Filipinas struggled to find an answer.

The defeat left Alas Pilipinas at 2-2 with six points, good for fourth place in Pool B. China remained unbeaten at 4-0, while Peru improved to 3-1 and moved into second place.

Despite the setback, the Philippines still controls its path toward the Round of 16. A victory over Venezuela on Wednesday at 2 a.m. (Manila time) would keep the Filipinas' knockout-stage hopes alive.

Sharina Rhyza Lleses once again shouldered much of the offensive load, scoring 18 points entirely through attacks while adding 16 digs.

Caera Celis contributed 17 points on 15 attacks and two aces, along with nine digs, while Xyz Rayco delivered an all-around effort with 12 points, 22 digs, and six excellent receptions.

Nahir Cuerva led Peru with 19 points.