MANILA, Philippines — Bringing out their best every game took Alas Pilipinas to greater heights and into their first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Nations Cup final.

Despite a young core and limited preparation for the continental meet since last year, the players’ mindset has been to go all out every time they step on the court.

READ: Eya Laure delivers in Alas Pilipinas’ epic AVC semifinal win

That’s exactly what Alas Pilipinas did Friday night en route to a historic semifinal win over gritty Chinese Taipei, 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 15-25, 15-12 at Dong Anh Arena in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“Last year, our best brought us to bronze, and this time, it’s going to bring us to higher heights,” said team captain and setter Jia De Guzman in the post-game press conference, referring to the country’s bronze medal in the tournament last year when it was still known as the Challenge Cup.

The podium finish was the Philippines’ first AVC medal in 63 years.

Facing an unbeaten two-time defending champion Vietnam in the finale, the 30-year-old playmaker stressed they just need to stick to the same mantra that brought the Philippine women’s national volleyball team to its first gold medal match since the 1997 Southeast Asian Games.

“We’re just going to bring our best again and no matter what for the country,” said De Guzman.

READ: Alas Pilipinas ends long drought, reaches AVC Nations Cup final

The tournament’s reigning Best Setter was proud of every member of her young team, who showed composure, especially Eya Laure, after coming to the rescue in the fifth set, scoring six of her nine points.

“From our win yesterday against Kazakhstan, the moment we went to the dugout, we knew that today was also going to be a hard game. But we’re very grateful that we surpassed that test of character, also being up two sets, losing two sets, then coming back in the fifth set,” De Guzman said.

“That’s really hard to do against a team like Chinese Taipei. You also have to give credit to the other team for adjusting so well and giving us a good fight.”

Bella Belen nailed the game-winning spike in dramatic fashion. It was initially deemed out, but coach Jorge Souza De Brito called for a challenge, where it showed that the ball hit the tip of the finger of Yeh Yuh-Wen.

READ: Despite Alas’ perfect run, there’s room for growth says coach

“I’m very happy because we really wanted to win this game. Not just for us, but for the Philippines. No words can explain how much we wanted this game,” said Belen after leading the way with an all-around game of 15 points, including four blocks, and had 16 digs and 19 excellent receptions.

“We’re gonna prepare for tomorrow because we know it’s gonna be harder for us because it’s in Vietnam.”

The three-time UAAP MVP from National University said the job’s not done as she prepared right after the win by scouting the powerhouse Vietnam just hours before their 9 p.m. title match.

“I will do my best tomorrow, and I will just think about what I can do for the team in order to beat Vietnam,” Belen said.