Alas Pilipinas ended its 2025 Southeast Asia V.League first leg campaign on a high note, securing a hard-earned 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13 win over Indonesia in a battle for bronze on Sunday afternoon.
With the podium finish on the line, the Filipinas bounced back from consecutive losses to Thailand and Vietnam by putting on a dominant display, especially in the fourth set, to seal their third consecutive third-place finish in the tournament.
It was a fitting close to their campaign as Alas Pilipinas fired on all cylinders in the final frame, erupting for an 18-6 run to slam the door on Indonesia and officially claim the bronze medal in front of a roaring crowd.
Despite the early setback in the opening set, where Indonesia led 13-8 midway through, the Filipinas showed resilience.
A combination of front-row power from PLDT's Dell Palomata, Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, and Akari's Fifi Sharma ignited a rally that tied the game at 13-all.
That spark shifted the momentum, with Canino and Sharma anchoring a 9-5 finishing run to hand the Philippines the first set.
Riding the momentum, the Filipinas surged to an early five-point lead in the second set and never looked back.
Strong net defense and quick transitions pushed them to a two-set advantage and within striking distance of another podium finish.
But Indonesia refused to go down quietly.
The third set saw a dip in focus for the Filipinas, who committed eight unforced errors.
The missteps proved costly as Indonesia capitalized and controlled the set from start to finish to extend the match.
Unfazed, Alas regrouped with steely resolve in the fourth.
Turning defense into offense, they roared to an 18-6 cushion, once again with Canino and Sharma providing the spark at the net while Solomon and Eya Laure delivered the finishing blows.
The Filipinas would not be denied this time, cruising to the win that ensured their continued presence on the SEA V.League podium.
With the first leg wrapped up, the national team shifts its focus to the second leg of the tournament, set to take place in Vietnam from August 8 to 10.
There, they hope to finally surpass their bronze-medal finish and challenge for gold.
