ALAS Pilipinas Women will face one of the biggest challenges in its return to the Asian Games as it takes on powerhouse China in the opening day of the volleyball competition, Wednesday, in Nagoya, Japan.
The match is scheduled for 12 noon, Philippine time, at Park Arena Komaki, where the Filipinas will look to make a strong impression against the reigning continental champions.
China enters the tournament determined to reclaim its winning form after suffering a five-set loss to Thailand in the recent Asian Volleyball Confederation Continental Cup in Tianjin.
The Chinese squad fell 20-25, 25-11, 25-23, 18-25, 10-15 in the championship match, a setback that could fuel its bid to retain its Asian Games crown.
China has dominated the women’s volleyball competition over the past nine editions and is once again expected to contend for the gold medal.
For the Philippines, the opening assignment presents an opportunity to measure itself against one of Asia’s most accomplished teams.
Japanese coach Taka Minowa expressed confidence in his players’ preparation, while acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead.
“We are mentally ready to face the Chinese. We’ll try our very best,” Minowa said.
Minowa was accompanied by his Filipina wife, JaJa Santiago, as the team prepared for its much-anticipated campaign.
The Alas Women are seeking to improve on the Philippines’ best Asian Games women’s volleyball finish—a fourth-place showing by the 1962 national team.
However, the Filipinas must first navigate a challenging Pool B schedule.
Should they fall to China, they will need to defeat Kazakhstan on Thursday to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
A victory over Kazakhstan would keep their medal aspirations alive and give them a chance to chase a finish comparable to the historic 1962 squad. (Adrian Co)
