Alyssa Valdez leads Philippines to victory in AVC Cup opener against Uzbekistan

CANDON, Ilocos Sur — They may have been "way past their prime," but there is one thing certain about the trio of Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Ces Molina: when it is time to suit up for the flag, they’re always ready. After seven years since the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games heartache, where they all teamed up and played for the national team, the trio went business right away, helping the national team beat Uzbekistan at the start of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation