AFTER a heartbreaking five-set loss to Iran, Alas Pilipinas Women returned with a vengeance, sweeping New Zealand, 25-17, 25-21, 25-18, to boost their semifinal hopes in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup on Wednesday at the Doang Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The bounce-back victory improved the Philippines’ standing to 3-1 in Pool B, tying Iran for second place and staying within striking distance of semifinals-bound Kazakhstan, which remains undefeated at 4-0.

With their tournament fate hanging in the balance, the Filipinas displayed poise and precision throughout the match. Trailing 11-13 in the third set, the trio of Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and Alyssa Solomon led a scorching 14-4 rally to close out the set and complete the straight-sets win over the Kiwis.

Laure delivered a well-rounded performance, scoring 12 points built on eight attacks, three aces, and a block, while also contributing eight excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.

Gandler matched her output with 12 points and chipped in six digs. Solomon, making a triumphant return from a left ankle injury that sidelined her against Iran, added 11 markers.

Alas Pilipinas shrugged off a neck-and-neck start in the opening set, where both teams were knotted at 8-all, before surging ahead with an 8-1 blitz behind Clarisse Loresco and Laure. That pivotal run created a 16-9 cushion that New Zealand could not recover from.

In the second frame, the Kiwis threatened with a late surge to level the score at 20-all. But Laure and Dell Palomata came up clutch, combining for four points in a closing 5-1 run that gave the Philippines a commanding two-set lead. Palomata finished with six points, while Loresco, who made her national team debut, and Fifi Sharma each scored five.

Shaina Nitura and Angel Canino were both rested for the match, while Bella Belen saw limited action.

The road to the semifinals, however, remains steep. The Philippines must overcome Pool B leader Kazakhstan in a high-stakes showdown scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today. A win secures a spot in the final four, but a loss—coupled with a likely Iran victory over winless Mongolia—will eliminate Alas and send them to the classification round.

New Zealand, now out of semifinal contention with a 1-3 record, was led by Charlton Vail’s 11 points, while Petra Manderson added nine.

With momentum back on their side and a semifinal berth still within reach, Alas Pilipinas faces its toughest challenge yet, as they aim to outshine the undefeated Kazakhs and extend their Nations Cup campaign.