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Alas Pilipinas women defeat China to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team triumphed over China in a thrilling match at the 2025 AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara defeated their Chinese opponents 22-20 in both sets, showcasing resilience and skill despite challenging conditions. The victory marks a significant achievement for the team and inspires future athletes in the Philippines.
In an impressive display of skill and resilience, the Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team triumphed over China to secure a coveted spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open. The thrilling match ended with a 2-0 victory, with the Philippine team winning 22-20 in both sets, much to the excitement of fans and onlookers at the Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The two-hour-long battle saw Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara outshine their seasoned Chinese opponents, Yan Xu and Zhou Mingli, showcasing their strong defensive and offensive plays. Despite facing the intense heat and occasional service errors, the Filipino duo maintained their composure, delivering a performance that will be remembered by both supporters and critics alike.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Alas Pilipinas women’s team, who have proven themselves capable of competing at the highest levels of Asian beach volleyball. Progella and Pagara, both students at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), displayed remarkable teamwork and determination, even in the face of challenging conditions.
Progella shared that although the heat was a challenge, their focus was always on winning the match. “The heat did take its toll, but we stuck to our game plan and played the match point by point,” she said. Pagara, on the other hand, expressed confidence in their ability to take on even more challenging matches in the upcoming rounds.
For Pagara and Progella, this victory is a testament to their growing prowess in the sport. At just 19 and 20 years old, respectively, they are quickly gaining recognition in international volleyball. Their triumph over China, ranked fourth in the AVC, underscores their potential as formidable competitors on the Asian circuit.
The Rebisco AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open is a prestigious event that attracts top teams from across Asia, and the victory places the Alas Pilipinas women’s team in a strong position for the quarterfinals. As they look ahead, their performance continues to inspire young athletes across the Philippines, showing that with dedication and teamwork, they can hold their own against some of the world’s best.
The team's coaches and supporters were equally thrilled with the win, praising the athletes for their perseverance and growth in the sport. “This victory is not just for the team but for all the people who believe in us,” said Coach Noreen Magsino. The win was also seen as a boost to beach volleyball’s popularity in the Philippines, where the sport is rapidly gaining traction.
Looking forward, Progella and Pagara are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming rounds, focusing on building on their momentum and learning from each match. As they head into the quarterfinals, the team will face even stiffer competition, but with their performance against China, they have proven that they are more than ready for the challenge.
The Alas Pilipinas women’s team continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, and their success at the AVC Beach Tour is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for beach volleyball in the Philippines.
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