ALAS Pilipinas Women’s dream of reaching the championship round of the 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup came to an end after bowing to defending champion Korabelka, 16-25, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, in the semifinals on Thursday night at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium.
Despite the tough loss, the Filipinas are far from done. They now shift their focus to the bronze medal match, where they aim to bring home only the country’s second podium finish in the tournament’s history. Alas will face the losing team between hosts Vietnam and Chinese Taipei on Friday, July 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Fueled by their goal to reach their first-ever VTV Cup final, the Nationals showed flashes of brilliance against the formidable Russian squad. But in the end, Korabelka — two-time champions of Russia’s Vysshaya Liga — proved too composed in the crucial moments to deny the Philippine side.
In the fourth set, Alas Pilipinas mounted a spirited comeback after falling behind 8-15. A 7-2 rally sparked by Alleiah Malaluan’s off-the-block hit and a Vanie Gandler crosscourt kill brought them within two, 15-17. But Korabelka responded with a poised 5-2 surge, capped by Elizaveta Nesterova’s backrow kill to pull away, 22-18.
An attack error from Irina Artiukhina and a timely service ace by setter Lams Lamina trimmed the deficit to 21-23, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, a clutch off-the-block strike by Anastasia Cherniaeva followed by another powerful swing from Nesterova sealed the match in Korabelka’s favor and punched their ticket to the final.
Earlier, the Nationals fought valiantly in the third set, with Amie Provido’s running attack and another Gandler crosscourt hit keeping them within striking range at 17-21. But Korabelka strung together four unanswered points to close out the frame and take a 2-1 set lead.
It was in the second set where the Filipinas shined brightest. Down by four on two separate occasions, they refused to back down. A soft tip from Malaluan tied the frame before the former De La Salle standout came up clutch with two of the final three points — including a fierce through-the-block kill — to level the match at one set apiece.
Korabelka dominated the opening set with their depth and firepower, dictating the tempo and controlling the pace to grab the early advantage.
