Alas Pilipinas was hoping to get back at Vietnam after the latter beat the Filipinas in straight sets at the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup early this June. But revenge wasn’t meant to be for the rejigged national team as they fell to Vietnam, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, on Sunday in their opening match at the 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium.
The Jorge de Brito-mentored squad seemed poised for a stunner early on, roaring to an 18-16 edge in the first set and looking primed to take the opening frame. But Vietnam responded like the champions they are, outscoring the Filipinas 9-2 to take the first set, 25-20, and dash Alas’ hopes for a confidence-building set win.
Frustrated in set 2, Alas Pilipinas fell flat early in set 2, trailing 19-12 and looking headed for a listless defeat. But the national squad fought back gamely, getting to within 21-19 before Vietnam showcased its championship poise in closing out the second frame.
Alas continued its fierce showing, holding the Vietnamese to a 15-tie in the third set. But, as in the first two frames, Vietnam proved to good and too composed to wither, instead rising up to finish the match with a 10-6 closing kick to notch its second straight win in the 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup.
Opening Loss at 2025 VTV Women’s International Cup Belies Alas Potential
Despite the sweep at the hands of Vietnam, the rejigged Alas Pilipinas showed off their potential, breaching the 20-point mark in each of the three sets after failing to do so in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup final.
Showing promise for the squad were newcomers Brooke Van Sickle, Leila Cruz, MJ Phillips, and Alleiah Malaluan, who all had their moments of brilliance against the powerhouse Vietnamese. Joining Van Sickle, Cruz, Phillips, and Malaluan in the team are new faces Maddie Madayag, Tia Andaya, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Amie Provido, and Lams Lamina, together with AVC holdovers Jia De Guzman, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Fifi Shara, Thea Gagate, and Dell Palomata.
Alas Pilipinas next faces Sichuan Wuliangchun on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in search of its first win in Pool A, which also features Australia. Pool B consists of Korabelka, Chinese-Taipei, and the under-21 teams of Vietnam, and Thailand. The top two teams in each pool will advance to the crossover knockout semis, followed by a one-match final.
