Alas Pilipinas not only clinched the bronze medal in the first leg of the 2024 Southeast Asia V-League but also made a significant impact in individual awards.
Jia De Guzman was honored with the Best Setter award, while Thea Gagate was named Best Middle Blocker.
De Guzman, a seasoned performer and eight-time Premier Volleyball League Best Setter with Creamline, played a pivotal role in guiding the Philippines to another podium finish. This accolade comes just three months after she helped secure a bronze medal at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup in Manila.
Gagate, who made history as the first-ever top overall pick in the PVL Draft with ZUS Coffee, shared the Best Middle Blocker award with Vietnam’s Dinh Thi Tra Giang.
The awards ceremony took place following Thailand's dramatic five-set victory over Vietnam on Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, Alas Pilipinas secured their bronze medal with a hard-fought 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 25-21 win over Indonesia.
Thailand's Chatchu-on Moksri was named Most Valuable Player after leading her team to their sixth consecutive championship. Moksri, along with her teammate Ajcharaporn Kongyot, was also honored as one of the Best Outside Spikers. Vietnamese star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen received the Best Opposite award, while Thailand’s Piyanut Pannoy was recognized as the Best Libero.
The second leg of the tournament is set to take place from August 9 to 11 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
They join four other Filipinos to earn individual honors in SEA V.League history, joining Alyssa Solomon (2023 second leg Best Opposite), Kyla Atienza (2022 Best Libero), Dawn Catindig (2019 second leg Best Libero), and Majoy Baron (2019 first and second leg Best Middle Blocker).
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