Tag: Challenger

Czechia wins Challenger Cup, earns VNL spot with near-perfect run

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Czechia is crowned FIVB Challenger Cup champion.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Czechia topped Puerto Rico, 25-23, 25-20, 18-25, 25-18, to reign supreme in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Opposite hitter Gabriela Orvosova hammered out 25 points on 23 hits and two blocks as Czechia also booked a coveted promotion ticket to the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

Team captain Michaela Mlejnkova added 18 points while Helena Havelkova and Magdalena Jehlarova chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Czech spikers, who needed only one hour and 48 minutes to win the knockout finale.

READ: Czechia sets up Challenger Cup final vs Puerto Rico for VNL spot

Now world No. 15, Czechia zoomed to a 2-0 start and fended off any resistance left from world No. 16 Puerto Rico in the fourth set.

“It’s unbelievable. We’re so happy and proud of our team. I’m speechless,” beamed Orvosova.

Czechia FIVB Challenger Cup champion

Czechia players celebrate after beating Puerto Rico in the FIVB Challenger Cup Final in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“It’s time to celebrate our success. I believe in this tournament, we’re the better team and we deserve to win but the VNL is another level,” added Greek head coach Ioannis Athanasopoulos.

It was a near-perfect Manila conquest for Czechia, which only dropped one set the entire tournament.

READ: Alas tormentor Vietnam bags bronze in FIVB Challenger Cup

Czechia pummeled world No. 17 Argentina, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16, in the quarterfinals then trounced now world No. 32 Vietnam in the semis, 25-19, 25-14, 25-19, of the VNL qualifier.

Grace Mar Lopez Villanueva and Paola Nicole Santiago Cabrera put up 23 and 18 points, respectively, while Stephanie Rivera tallied 12 points for the Puerto Ricans.

“Fans here are unbelievable right from first moment we arrived at the airport. Volleyball is huge over here and I didn’t know that. It’s a great experience for our team. From the entire Czech national team, we’re really thankful,” said Athanasopoulos.

Earlier, Vietnam stunned world No. 12 Belgium, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, to salvage the bronze medal behind the 35-point eruption on 34 hits by ace hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen.



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Alas tormentor Vietnam bags bronze in FIVB Challenger Cup

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Vietnam celebrates during a victory over Belgium to bag the bronze in the FIVB Challenger Cup in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Vietnam stunned Belgium, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, to salvage the bronze medal in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Ace hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen exploded for 35 points on 34 hits as the Vietnamese, world No. 34, stood their ground in completing an upset of the world No. 13 Belgians.

The win made up for Vietnam’s 19-25, 14-24, 19-25, loss against world No. 16 Czechia in the semifinals to become the only Asian squad in the podium.

READ: Vietnam star T4 all praises for Alas Pilipinas, Jia De Guzman

It’s a strong follow-up to the Vietnamese’ championship last May in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup, which was also hosted by the country led by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara at the nearby Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Vietnam, which eliminated host Alas Pilipinas in the quarterfinals with a 25-14, 25-21, 25-22 win, made it happen with the support from Nguyen Thi Trinh and skipper Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who chipped in 10 and seven points, respectively.

“I’m very happy for this win and I’m very proud of my teammates. We have a good connection and we did well today,” said Thuy, dubbed as T4 in the volleyball community.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy

Vietnam’s Tran Thi Thanh Thuy during the bronze medal game against Belgium in the FIVB Challenger Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

Save for a close second-set defeat, it was all Vietnam in the duel against the European bet that also bowed out in the semifinals of the tourney backed by global partners Mikasa, Gerflor and Senoh and local partners PLDT, Rebisco, Manila Diamond Hotel, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Meralco, MWell, Cignal, Fitness First, Maynilad and Foton.

Belgium absorbed a 19-25, 15-25, 16-25 loss against world No. 15 Puerto Rico in the other pairing to settle for a bronze medal match to no avail.

Manon Stragier, Pauline Martin, Britt Fransen had 14, 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Belgians in a commendable fourth-place finish.

Puerto Rico and Czechia were to play at press time for the Challenger Cup title and the coveted promotion ticket to the elite Volleyball Nations League (VNL).



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Czechia sets up Challenger Cup Final vs Puerto Rico for VNL spot

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Czechia celebrates a point against Vietnam during a FIVB Challenger Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — A new Volleyball Nations League participant will debut next year as Czechia and Puerto Rico clash in the gold medal match of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Czechia sent Vietnam crashing with a dominant 25-19, 25-14, 25-19 win in the Challenger Cup knockout semifinal on Saturday.

Gabriela Orvosova poured in 16 points built on 13 kills, two aces, and a block to lead the collective effort of the Czechs, who drew contributions from Helena Havelkova and Ela Koulisiani scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico reaches final for first time

“I’m really happy that we won it was a different style of volleyball [facing Vietnam] so we showed a team effort,” said Orvosova

Katerina Valkova dished out 21 excellent sets as Czechia outwitted Vietnam in spiking, 46-31, while Magdalena Jehlarova led their block party of 13 kills blocks with five to finish with 10 points.

Czechia and Puerto Rico have yet to play in the VNL. They fight for the lone ticket at 6:30 p.m.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Czechia sweeps Argentina for semis berth

“I hope we’re gonna play the same volleyball as today like enjoy the game and play as a team. We will see how will it be, we will do video [scouting before the game],” Magdalena Bukovska said.

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen, who erupted for 30 points to eliminate Alas Pilipinas in the quarterfinal, was limited to just 12 points on 12-of-33 attacking clip. Trần Thị Thanh Thúy contributed nine points.

Vietnam, which swept the AVC Challenge Cup, plays in the bronze medal match against Belgium at 3 p.m. on Sunday.



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Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

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Alas Pilipinas against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen and Vietnam shut the doors on Alas Pilipinas’ hopes of qualifying for the Volleyball Nations League next year after a 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 victory Friday night in the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Tuyen peppered the Filipinas with 30 points built on 27 attack points and three blocks to show Alas the exit after just one game in the knockout quarterfinals.

“We are very grateful that we faced Vietnam. We learned a lot, realized many things we still need to improve on, and of course, we are very happy because many people watched, especially our fellow Filipinos here in the Philippines. So, I am thankful for all the support,” Sisi Rondina said.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Rondina led the hometown bets with 15 points, all from attacks, with Canino backing her up with 12 points, all but one from kills.

Middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate added six and five points respectively for the world No. 55 hosts.

Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss.

Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Earlier during the huddle, Ate Jia [de Guzman] just said that we shouldn’t think about anything else, just show what we can do. We know we have abilities that they don’t have, and even if we fell short, the fight is still there. Of course, it’s about not giving up,” Rondina added.

“As I always say, you never go home a loser because you learn something, you always learn something, especially now that we faced Vietnam,” Canino said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Already down by two sets and giving its all to try and extend the match and somehow take the game from behind, Alas managed to tie the deciding frame at 14-all with Vanie Gandler’s attack from back row.

Rondina put her all into a cross-court hit to knot the game again at 16-all before Alas took the lead for the first time since the first set at 18-17 as Gagate rose for a quick hit.

But Tuyen was not going to allow the visitors to sink and wasted no opportunity to carry Vietnam on the verge of victory, 24-20.

Gandler squeezed in an attack through the block before Rondina committed a deadly attack error that sailed out and ultimately handed Vietnam a ticket to the semifinals opposite Czech Republic, which moved on with a straight sets win over Argentina earlier in the day.

The other semifinal bracket will feature Belgium and Puerto Rico.



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“Facing Vietnam was a huge opportunity and a lesson for us because experiences like that don’t happen often in our lives or with our team. We learned a lot of lessons inside the court,” Canino said.

Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

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 FIVB Challenger Cup 2024 schedule of games July 5

Ninoy Aquino Stadium

3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

SCHEDULE OF PH GAMES HERE.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

Jema Galanza with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After initially being listed as libero, Jema Galanza is back to her original position as an outside spiker in the FIVB Challenger Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Two days before their knockout game against AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito said that Galanza will no longer have to play as libero following a minor foot injury during their preparation.

“She is [doing] better and she’s ok. She will be a regular player,” De Brito told Inquirer Sports. FULL STORY

Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Coming off the high of a historic achievement, Alas Pilipinas is beginning to feel some of the problems of maintaining a high-profile national pool.

Luckily, the women’s program has a few reinforcements coming its way.

National University (NU) ace and UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen and multi awarded spiker Jema Galanza will bolster Alas Pilipinas when it takes on Vietnam on Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. FULL STORY

After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

Team USA vs Japan Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 Filipino crowd

FILE–A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines looks to continue its string of successful hosting gigs with the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) for Women from Thursday to Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country will be hosting a third straight international competition this year with the VCC, which serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas will see action in the VCC when it clashes with Vietnam in a knockout game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. following the 3 p.m. match between Argentina and the Czech Republic. FULL STORY



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After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

On: By: admin


FILE–A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines looks to continue its string of successful hosting gigs with the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) for Women from Thursday to Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country will be hosting a third straight international competition this year with the VCC, which serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas will see action in the VCC when it clashes with Vietnam in a knockout game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. following the 3 p.m. match between Argentina and the Czech Republic.

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup

Puerto Rico and Kenya raise the curtains on Thursday at 3 p.m. while Belgium and Sweden plunge into action at 6:30 p.m.

Aside from developing Alas’ core for bigger international tournaments slated next year including the Southeast Asian Games, the PNVF is also preparing for its historic hosting of the 2025 Men’s World Championship.

“We’re down to 14 months to go and at the rate we’re going, we look forward to aiming for a well-hosted world championship in 2025,” said PNVF president Tats Suzara following a successful hosting of the VNL men’s Week 3 two weeks ago at Mall of Asia Arena.

The PNVF brought the AVC Challenge Cup at Rizal Memorial Coliseum last May with Alas winning a historic bronze medal. The country then hosted the VNL for the third straight year, drawing big crowds every night, especially for fan favorites Japan and USA.

READ: AVC Challenge Cup official praises PH hosting, Alas Pilipinas

The FIVB even lauded the hosting of the Philippines, looking forward to next year’s World Championship at MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

“The Philippines’ love for volleyball was clear, setting the stage for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025,” the FIVB wrote on its official website. “The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s pool in Manila … attracted a massive turnout of 45,886 fans eager to witness world-class volleyball, an exciting sign of what is to come for the upcoming FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 in the country.”

“The event [VNL Men’s Week 3] was marked by excellent organization and hospitality, which allowed the action on the court to take center stage. As the tournament unfolded, fan excitement and engagement visibly grew.”

The highest attendance, the FIVB said, was recorded on the final day when it peaked at 93.82% with 12,497 tickets sold as fans packed the SM Mall of Asia.

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in FIVB Challenger Cup

The men’s world championship featuring the top 32 nations, including the host Philippines, is set from September 12 to 28 next year.

Suzara, who was also part of the country’s hosting of the Fiba World Cup last year, is eager to improve its hosting of the prestigious men’s world championship, following another successful VNL in Manila.

“Of course, still a lot of improvement that we have to do. As you know this is the first time that the world championship will have 32 teams. So we have to divide 16 teams here and 16 in Araneta. But there are still a lot of logistical discussions with FIVB. And also on accommodation, and transportation after the VNL finals in Poland,” Suzara said. “Maybe, the discussions may also fall after Paris because everyone’s busy with the Paris Olympics. But we are looking forward to the one-year countdown on September 12.” 



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The one-year countdown on September 12 features the FIVB Draw, where the country expects 300 foreign delegates. Alas will also play Japanese club in friendlies against the Panasonic Panthers, Suntory Sunbirds, and Wolfdogs Nagoya. 

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

On: By: admin


Jema Galanza with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup

MANILA, Philippines — After initially being listed as libero, Jema Galanza is back to her original position as an outside spiker in the FIVB Challenger Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Two days before their knockout game against AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito said that Galanza will no longer have to play as libero following a minor foot injury during their preparation.

“She is [doing] better and she’s ok. She will be a regular player,” De Brito told Inquirer Sports.

De Brito also bared that Dawn Macandili-Catindig will be the lone libero of Alas as Chery Tiggo’s Jen Nierva and Eya Laure didn’t train with the nationals. 

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Alyssa Solomon, meanwhile, asked permission to skip the tournament as she needs more time to recover after leading National University’s title redemption tour in the UAAP Season 86 last May. She will likely join Alas for the SEA V.League in August.

“Solomon, as I mentioned, she is still in recovery. She requested more time since we contacted her. And the other guys did not attend,” said the Brazilian coach.

Alas battles Vietnam on Friday at 6:30 p.m., hoping to advance to the knockout semifinal on Saturday with only one of the eight participating countries — including Argentina, Belgium, Czech Republic, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and Sweden — qualifying for the Volleyball Nations League next year.

Facing a tough Southeast Asian rival, De Brito banks on Challenge Cup Best Setter Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino in leading the bronze medal team also composed of newcomer Bella Belen, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Sisi Rondina, Vanie Gandler, Faith Nisperos. Arah Panique, Julia Coronel, Dell Palomata, and Cherry Nunag.

READ: Alas Pilipinas women draw tough first FIVB assignment

Meanwhile, Sweden and Belgium clash in a knockout match to open the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Sweden, the European Golden League champion, brings a formidable team led by league Most Valuable Player Isabelle Haak against European League bronze medalist  Belgium led by star outside hitter Britt Herbots and middle blocker Silke Van Avermaet.

Puerto Rico and Kenya collide at 3 p.m., hunting for the other semifinal berth also on Thursday.

Puerto Rico was among the first to qualify for the Challenger Cup, topping the North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation International League Final Four last year.



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Bound for Paris Olympics, Kenya boasts of the top-ranked women’s team in the African Volleyball Confederation led by captain and veteran middle blocker Trizah Atuka.

Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup

On: By: admin


Alas Pilipinas women’s team faces a tough test in the FIVB Challenger Cup, another world-class volleyball event hosted by the Philippines, from July 4 to 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The eight qualified teams – the host Philippines, Argentina, Belgium, Czechia, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Sweden and AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam – battle in the knockout quarterfinal round on July 4 and July 5.

READ: Alas Pilipinas women draw tough first FIVB assignment

This is followed by the do-or-die semifinal and final rounds.

The winner of the tournament–which was first held in 2018–qualifies for the Volleyball of Nations League (VNL) in 2025.

Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup schedule

Here is the schedule of all the games in the FIVB Challenger’s Cup including Alas Pilipinas’ assignment in the quarterfinals.

July 4,  Thursday

  • 3pm – Puerto Rico vs Kenya
    6:30pm – Belgium vs Sweden

July 5, Friday

  • 3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
    6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

July 6, Saturday

  • 3pm – semifinals
    6:30pm – semifinals

July 7, Sunday

  • 3pm – battle for third
    6:30pm – Final

Alas Pilipinas roster for FIVB Challenger Cup

There were a few changes to the Alas Pilipinas roster that won the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 last month, with the addition of pros and UAAP stars.

Here is the Philippines roster for the FIVB Challenger Cup from the FIVB official website.

  • Faith Nisperos – O
  • Fifi Sharma – MB
  • Vannie Gandler – OH
  • Bella Belen – OH
  • Dawn Macandili-Catindig – L
  • Julia Coronel – S
  • Eya Laure – OH
  • Jen Nierva – L
  • Jia de Guzman – S
  • Angel Canino – O
  • Dell Palomata – MB
  • Alyssa Solomon – O
  • Arah Panique – O
  • Thea Gagate – MB
  • Sisi Rondina – OH
  • Cherry Nunag – MB
  • Jema Galanza – L


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