Alas Pilipinas came up short in their opening bid in the 2024 SEA V.League against powerhouse Vietnam.
Alas Pilipinas showed significant improvements as it opened its campaign in the 2024 Southeast Asian (SEA) V. League against rivals Vietnam at the Vinh Phúc Gymnasium on Friday, August 2.
The Filipinas, however, still couldn’t get past the Vietnamese, falling short in four sets, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21.
The Philippines snatched the second frame behind its impressive blocking and defense, sealing the set victory after three straight kill blocks by Eya Laure.
Alas is coming off an intensive training camp in Japan from July 14 to 25 in preparation for the tournament.
Making her Alas debut, Alyssa Solomon, the Best Opposite Spiker of the 2023 SEA V.League second leg, showcased her immense talent as she finished with 20 points.
Laure and middle blocker Dell Palomata proved to be a fortress for Alas, providing 10 blocks in total. Palomata finished with 14 markers, while Laure had 13.
Vanie Gandler and Thea Gagate also had a solid outing with 12 points apiece in the loss.
Despite coming close several times, Alas couldn’t close out Vietnam in the endgame as the AVC Challenge Cup champions continued to go to Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen, who delivered timely attacks for her squad en route to the victory.
Tuyen finished with a game-high 27 points on 25 attacks and two blocks. Thi Trinh Nguyen and Vi Th? Nhu Quynh added eight apiece.
Unforced errors seemingly hounded the Jorge De Brito-led squad as Alas committed 23 compared to just 12 from Vietnam.
The Philippines will look to clean up its errors as they take on powerhouse Thailand on Saturday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m.