Chinese Taipei setter Liao Yijen welcomed the chance to reconnect with familiar faces from Philippine volleyball after helping her team secure a semifinal berth in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup.
Liao steered Chinese Taipei to a convincing 25‑16, 25‑14, 25‑10 victory over Alas Pilipinas on Thursday, a result that secured the top spot in Pool A and ended the Philippines’ semifinal hopes.
The match also marked a reunion with several PVL stars she previously faced during her stint with KingWhale Taipei in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference.
“Yes. I think Alyssa (Valdez) and (Tots) Carlos are very good players. Setter, number one (Kyle Negrito). In the PVL, we were always competing together. I always remember Alyssa, number one, and Carlos,” said Liao.
Yijen’s Pinoy Connection
The veteran playmaker developed a connection with Philippine volleyball when KingWhale Taipei joined the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference as a guest team.
Liao helped the Taiwanese club reach the finals, where it eventually settled for runner‑up honors against Creamline. Despite the defeat, she emerged as the tournament’s Best Setter after orchestrating one of the competition’s most efficient offenses.
That experience left a lasting impression on the two‑time Top Volleyball League Best Setter, particularly because of the passionate support she received from Filipino fans.
“And thank you, Philippines. This place is very heart, so I always play very happily in the Philippines because it’s very heart,” Liao said.
Backed by her steady playmaking, Chinese Taipei controlled Thursday’s match from start to finish, showcasing the depth and chemistry of a squad that remained unbeaten in pool play.
Can They Go All the Way?
The Taiwanese side finished atop Pool A with a perfect 4‑0 record and advanced to the semifinals as one of the tournament favorites.
“The team today, the Taiwan team, everybody played very well, so thank you very much to the coach and my teammates,” Liao said.
“We’ll do our best.”
For Liao, the victory was another memorable chapter in her growing connection with Philippine volleyball—one that allowed her to compete once again against players she has come to respect throughout the years.
