Photo from Usports
Eya Laure came through with a scintillating performance as Alas Pilipinas booked a semifinals berth in the 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup after sweeping Thailand’s Est Cola, 25-17, 25-21, 25-21, Thursday night at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam.
Playing with renewed energy following a one-day break, Laure spearheaded the Filipinas' relentless attack en route to a straight-sets victory that not only advanced them into the knockout stage, but also secured at least a Top 4 finish — a massive leap from National University’s cellar-dwelling campaign in the previous edition of the tournament.
The Nationals now brace for their toughest test yet: a semifinal clash against defending champions Korabelka of Russia set for Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Alas Pilipinas faced a late scare in the third frame when Est Cola surged ahead, 13-10. But Vanie Gandler stepped up with a series of smart plays, including a well-placed tip and an off-the-block hit that sparked a critical 10-2 rally to put the Philippines ahead, 20-15.
Maddie Madayag denied a Thai attempt with a massive block, followed by a Gandler service ace and another Laure point off the block. A service error by Vi Thi Yen Nhi ultimately sealed Est Cola’s fate and the Nationals' spot in the semifinals.
The second set saw Thailand mount a late charge, erasing a 15-17 deficit to briefly take a 19-18 lead. But Brooke Van Sickle and Laure responded swiftly with a 3-0 spurt that shifted the momentum back to Alas, 21-19. Est Cola momentarily tied the set at 21-all, but the Filipinas closed strong, capped by Laure’s service ace to gain a commanding two-set lead.
In the opener, both squads were neck-and-neck until 13-all before the Filipinas unleashed a game-defining 8-0 burst behind Van Sickle’s five-point barrage and three Est Cola errors, storming to a 21-13 lead and never looking back.
Laure, the team captain, stood at the forefront of the attack throughout the match, while Van Sickle and Gandler provided crucial support in offense and service. Madayag anchored the net defense with several timely stops that disrupted Est Cola’s rhythm.
With the loss, Est Cola drops into the 5th–8th classification round and is scheduled to face Australia at 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
