Alas Pilipinas Women displayed promising moments but ultimately fell to host nation Vietnam in a thrilling four-set match, 23-25, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, to open their 2024 Southeast Asian V.League first leg campaign on Friday evening in Vinh Phuc.
The Philippines managed to take the lead late in both the first and third sets, only to be outplayed by the resilient Vietnamese squad.
In the first set, Alas Pilipinas led 23-22 following an impressive drop ball by Alyssa Solomon. However, a critical error by Bella Belen and back-to-back aces from Pham Thi Nguyet Anh allowed Vietnam to snatch the set.
In the third set, Alas Pilipinas was ahead 22-21 before Nguyen Thi Trinh and Vi Thi Nhu Quynh led a decisive 4-0 run, giving Vietnam a 2-1 set lead.
The Philippines fought hard in the fourth set, with Sisi Rondina’s off-the-block hit bringing them within a point at 21-22. Yet, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen’s sharp crosscourt kill and two consecutive errors from Dell Palomata and Solomon sealed the victory for Vietnam.
Despite the loss, Solomon, the 2023 second leg Best Opposite Spiker, impressed with 20 points on an efficient 20-of-36 spiking performance.
Palomata contributed significantly with 14 points, including nine attacks and five blocks. Eya Laure added five blocks, six spikes, and two aces for 13 points, while Thea Gagate and Vanie Gandler each chipped in 12 points.
Alas Pilipinas outperformed Vietnam in several statistical categories, including spiking (58-53), blocking (14-13), and aces (7-6). However, they were hindered by nearly double the errors of their opponents, 23-12.
Tuyen led the the hosts with 27 points, supported by Trinh and Quynh with eight points each.
The Nationals, coming off last-place finishes in both legs of the 2023 tournament, now stand at 0-1, joining Indonesia at the bottom of the standings.
Meanwhile, Vietnam and Thailand lead the early standings with 1-0 records.
Thailand had earlier swept Indonesia, 25-14, 25-20, 25-11.
