MANILA, Philippines – Alas Pilipinas Women pulled off a stunning four-set victory over Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22, on Saturday at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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| Photo courtesy: SAVA |
The victory marked the Philippines’ first win over Vietnam since 2019, ending a seven-year drought against the Vietnamese in the regional tournament.
It also gave Alas Pilipinas its first victory in the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup and kept the Filipinas in contention for a podium finish.
Eya Laure led the charge with 22 points, including 19 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Alyssa Solomon added 17 points on 15 attacks and two aces.
Bella Belen chipped in 16 points from 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Thea Gagate anchored the net defense with six blocks for 10 points.
After dropping the opening set, the Filipinas responded with a gutsy second-set performance as Laure delivered the clinching kill to level the match at one set apiece.
The Philippines then raced to a 10-3 lead in the third set and held off Vietnam’s comeback attempt before Belen hammered the set-clinching attack to move Alas ahead, 2-1.
Vietnam refused to go quietly, erasing a five-point Philippine advantage in the fourth set and eventually tying the frame at 22-all.
Belen broke the deadlock with a powerful attack from the left wing before Laure ended a long rally to put the Filipinas at match point, 24-22.
Laure then completed the historic victory by denying Vietnam’s running attack, sealing the Philippines’ first win over the Vietnamese side in seven years.
With a 1-1 record in the second leg, Alas Pilipinas will face Indonesia on Sunday, with another victory potentially securing the Philippines a podium finish.
— The Summit Express
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