Thailand Stops Alas Pilipinas Women Despite Gritty Set 3 Comeback in SEA V.League Leg 2

The Alas Pilipinas Women showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t sustain their momentum, falling to Thailand in four sets, 22-25, 17-25, 26-24, 16-25, in the 2025 SEA Women’s V.League Leg 2 on Saturday, August 9, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

Thailand, the undisputed powerhouse of the SEA V.League since its inception in 2019, extended its incredible winning streak to 26 straight victories and remains unbeaten in eight legs of the tournament.

The defending champions improved to 2-0 in the second leg, while the Philippines dropped to 0-2, setting up a battle for bronze against fellow winless squad Indonesia on Sunday, August 10, at 5 p.m. (Manila time).

Set 3 Surge Keeps Filipinas in the Fight

After dropping the first two sets, the Filipinas found their rhythm in the third frame. Down 17-21, they unleashed a crucial 3-0 run capped by Bella Belen’s attack. Maddie Madayag and Shaina Nitura combined for a key block against Pimpichaya Kokram, giving the Philippines its first set point at 24-23.

Thailand tied it at 24-all, but Angel Canino stepped up in the clutch, delivering the final two points to seal a 26-24 win and force a fourth set. The former UAAP MVP scored four of the team’s last five points in the frame, showcasing her big-game mentality against the eight-time champions.

Thailand Closes Strong

The fourth set started tight, with Nitura’s right-wing attack putting Alas ahead 8-7. But once Kokram fired an ace for a 12-10 lead, Thailand never looked back, breaking away with a decisive 13-6 run to take control.

Middle blocker Wimonrat Thanapan finished a running play to push the lead to 23-15 before Chatchu-on Moksri delivered from the left for match point. Thatdao Nuekhang then capitalized on an overpass to officially seal Thailand’s win.

WATCH: Alas Pilipinas vs. Thailand (August 9, 2025) Game Highlights

Bronze Medal on the Line

Despite the loss, Alas Pilipinas still has a shot at a fourth straight podium finish in the SEA V.League. They will face Indonesia (0-2) in a virtual bronze medal match, aiming to close the leg on a high note and replicate their third-place finish from Leg 1.