Alas Pilipinas boys lose to Iran in AVC U18 opener

Alas Pilipinas boys vs Iran in the AVC U18 Championship.–AVC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas Boys opened its campaign in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys’ U18 Championship with a tough loss to Iran, 17-25, 20-25, 13-25, on Sunday at Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.

The Filipinos showed signs of life in the second set, tying it at 19 behind Djomari Gamotea, Raphael Galapin, and Elijah Marticion, but Iran unleashed a decisive 6-1 run sparked by middle blockers Heydari Sefat Pedram and Chodorarkhoei Aydin for a 2-0 lead before dominating the third to complete the win.

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“We just fell short—despite tying the score at 19-all in the second set,” Alas coach Oliver Balse said. “We need to work on our defense.”

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Marticion led the Filipinos with eight points on seven attacks and a block, while Galapin and Ar-Raquib Dais chipped in five points apiece.

Nima Piri paced Iran with 16 points, while Abolfazl Pashaamiri added 15, as Iran dominated Alas in attacking, 21-8.

The Philippines looks to bounce back against Bahrain at 1 p.m. on Monday.

“We’ll keep on working and fighting to get better,” Balse said. “The skills are there. It’s just a matter of bringing them out.”

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