Alas Pilipinas women’s team succumbed to Vietnam, 27-29, 17-25, 25-20, 19-25, in the opening day of SEA V Cup Leg 1 on Friday evening at Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi.
After losing in the first two sets, Alas put up a gallant stand in the third with Bella Belen scoring two consecutive kills, followed by Jia De Guzman’s 1-2 play to mount a 23-17 lead.
Vietnam answered with three straight points before Dell Palomata scored off the block to reach set point, 24-20. Belen closed out the set to extend the match.
However, the home team was quick to recover and dominate the fourth to seal their first win, with Tran Thi Thanh Thuy leading the charge.
Japanese coach Taka Minowa’s debut as Alas Pilipinas coach was spoiled by the Vietnamese.
Belen, the PVL Rookie of the Year and three-time UAAP MVP, topscored with 17 points, all from kills, on top of showing a steady floor defense.
Eya Laure backstopped her with 16 points. Alyssa Solomon had 12, while Niña Ytang scored eight off the bench.
Alas Pilipinas, the winner of four straight bronze medals in the tournament since 2024, will have a short turnaround as it faces Thailand on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The Filipinos nearly snatched the first set after Erika Santos and Bella Belen sent Alas to set point, 24-23, but Thuy forced a deuce for the Vietnamese.
Palomata scored crucial hits, but Solomon’s attack error sent the host to set point, 27-26, before Laure saved a point. Thuy then put on the finishing touches, capped by a block on Solomon, to complete Vietnam’s comeback from Alas’ 5-1 start.
Vietnam, eyeing a second straight crown after ruling last year’s Leg 2, takes on Indonesia next.
Thuy dubbed as ‘T4’ led Vietnam with 13 points, while Vi Thi Nhu Quynh and Tran Thi Bich Thuy were also instrumental with 12 and 11 points, respectively