Special feat on special day

MANILA, Philippines — The Alas Pilipinas belles would not let their Kazakhstan rivals beat them one more time especially on one of the most important days for the country.

Summoning their best game since the team’s formation, the Filipinas smashed the Kazakhs, 25-21, 25-15, 25-19, on the country’s Independence Day and before a loud, flag-waving fans to advance straight to the AVC Nations Cup semifinals in Hanoi, Vietnam.

It was the Nationals’ biggest win thus far as they slew the same Kazakh squad that beat them in the semis via straight sets and eventually snared the silver medal in last year’s edition back home at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Forget about Kazakhstan’s top spiker Sana Anarkulova not suiting up after getting injured the day before.

The Filipinas, who were led by Bella Belen (16 points), Alyssa Solomon (14) and Angel Canino (13), knew what needed to be done and just didn’t let the Kazakhs impose their will against them again.

With that, Alas leapfrogged straight to the semis where, as Pool B No. 1, it will tackle Pool A No. 2, which will be either Chinese Taipei or Hong Kong. The other semis pits Kazakhstan versus Vietnam.

The host team, the defending champion and tournament favorite, would finish at No. 1 in the first group regardless of the result of its last elimination round duel with Australia while Kazakhstan would be No. 2 in Pool B.