Alas Pilipinas struggled against defending champions Thailand, losing 25-12, 25-18, 25-10, in the first leg of the 2024 Southeast Asian (SEA) V. League on Saturday night, August 3, in Vinh Phúc, Vietnam.
The Filipinas could not challenge the five-time champions in their brief encounter, marking back-to-back losses in the tournament.
Debutants Alyssa Solomon and her National University teammate Bella Belen combined for 10 points in the match.
Jorge de Brito’s Philippines team narrowly lost to Vietnam, 23-25, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, in their opening match the day before.
Alas Pilipinas continued to rely on the leadership of skipper and playmaker Jia Morado, alongside Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, Vanie Gandler, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, Jen Nierva, and Dawn Macandili.
Angel Canino was the only player to decline participation in the national team to focus on De La Salle, which is currently competing in the 39th Kadayawan Invitational Volleyball Tournament in Davao as part of its offseason preparations.
Meanwhile, Creamline’s Jema Galanza and Choco Mucho’s Cherry Nunag were placed on the reserve list.
Despite the improvements in Alas Pilipinas’ international play, the team was only assembled three months ago, and the new program is still in its early stages compared to the long-established dominance of the Thais in Asia and beyond.
The Philippines will conclude Leg 1 of the three-day competition against Indonesia on Sunday, August 4, before a five-day rest leading into Leg 2 from August 9 to 11 in Thailand.