Alas climbs FIVB ladder

MANILA, Philippines — Up, up and away.

In one week, Alas Pilipinas soared to the AVC Nations Cup finals in Hanoi, Vietnam and the FIVB world rankings after leapfrogging from No. 56 to No. 46.

It came to the fore after the Filipinas, starring Eya Laure and Bella Belen, outlasted a higher-ranked Chinese Taipei side, 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 15-25, 15-12, Friday at the packed Dong Anh Arena.

The victory sent the Filipinas against their bitter rivals – the Vietnamese – in a historic gold medal showdown.

The sensational climb was boosted by the Filipinas’ victories over Mongolia, New Zealand, Indonesia and world No. 32 Kazakhstan in Pool B action.

Alas could have moved up higher had it not blown a heartbreaking five-set defeat to the Iranians also in Pool B.

“The program is working,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation chief Ramon Suzara, who flew to the Vietnamese capital Friday and witnessed history unfold.

“The past three years was all upward for our national program in all disciplines – volley and beach – thanks to the support of our stakeholders,” added the concurrent FIVB executive vice president.

The Filipinas will shoot for a breakthrough gold against the host country, which earlier snared the first finals seat after turning back Kazakhstan, 25-15, 19-25, 25-7, 25-16 in the other semis showdown.

Whatever happens, the Nationals have already ensured themselves of the silver and the country’s best finish in an Asian meet, surpassing their historic bronze in last year’s edition of this same tournament back home at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

But, of course, Alas should go for that medal that has more glitter and pull the rug from under the perennial Southeast Asian Games silver medalist, which had broken the former’s hearts time and time again.