ALAS Pilipinas endured their second consecutive defeat at the 2024 Southeast Asian V-League Leg 2, falling to Vietnam in straight sets, 16-25, 20-25, 22-25, on Saturday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The loss follows a tough 18-25, 23-25, 16-25 setback against host Thailand the previous day, leaving the Philippines with an 0-2 record in the standings.
Vietnam seized control early in the first set, launching an 8-0 run that broke a 6-6 tie and gave them a commanding 14-6 lead.
The Filipinas struggled to mount a comeback and were unable to recover.
In the second set, Alas Pilipinas showed signs of improvement, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Vietnamese.
Nguyen Thi Trinh and Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh orchestrated a decisive 7-2 run, transforming an 18-all tie into a 25-20 victory for Vietnam, taking a 2-0 set lead.
The third set saw Vietnam once again surge ahead with a 6-2 run from an 18-all deadlock, reaching match point at 24-20. Bella Belen managed to save one match point with an off-speed attack, and Chery Nunag blocked another to keep the Filipinas in the game.
However, a service error by Belen ultimately sealed the victory for Vietnam.
Looking ahead, the Philippines will seek to salvage a bronze medal when they face Indonesia on Sunday. pvl.ph
