CANDON CITY — A trio of thirty-somethings came up with inspired performances as Alas Pilipinas put on a show on opening day of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup, dismantling Uzbekistan, 25-16, 25-12, 25-14, on Saturday at the Candon City Arena.

Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Ces Molina shone in their return to national duty, while Nina Ytang proved she belonged as the Philippine team set the pace in Group A of the 12-nation competition.

Team captain Valdez, 32, came up with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, while the 34-year-old Gonzaga delivered 12 points on 10 attacks and two aces.

Ytang, a 24-year-old four-time Best Middle Blocker in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, had four of the Philippines’ seven blocks as the Philippines joined the early leaders in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.

The former University of the Philippines star finished with 12 points, including eight attacks.

Molina, 31, scored 11 on nine attacks and two aces.

Malikakhon Tursunpulatova, a 22-year-old outside hitter, was the only Uzbekistan player to hit double figures with 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks.

Vietnam off to strong start

Titleholder Vietnam got off to a rousing start in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup, overpowering Lebanon, 25-3, 25-13, 25-14, on Saturday at the Candon City Arena.

Middle blocker Nu Anh Le had 12 points on 10 attacks and two service aces, while Thi Uyen Nguyen scored 11 on nine attacks and two aces.

TTB Thuy had nine points on eight attacks as Vietnam set the pace in Group B.

Shantalle Marie Demirjian led Lebanon with eight points on seven attacks and a block.

Kazakhstan, meanwhile, overcame an early scare, turning back Hong Kong 20-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-13, also in Group B.

Tatyana Yatskiv had 25 points from 22 attacks, two service aces and a block.

Yulia Fomenko had six of Kazakhstan’s 12 blocks, delivering 13 points.

Aigul Mulkibayeva had six points on three attacks and three blocks.

Lam Shum led Hong Kong with 13 points, while Nga Yee Leung scored nine.