MANILA, Philippines — The Alas Pilipinas girls team booked a historic ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship after defeating Thailand, 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22, to secure fifth place in the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship on Saturday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall in Amman, Jordan.
Team captain Xyz Rayco capped her international debut with 30 points on 25 kills, four blocks and an ace, leading the youngest Philippine national volleyball squad to its best-ever finish and a berth in next year’s worlds in Chile.
Moments after beating Thailand, Philippine National Volleyball Federation and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara congratulated the youngest national volleyball team for reaching the World Championship.
