THE Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball team ended a five-year medal drought in the SEA V.League.
The Filipina spikers returned to the podium of the three-day competition, formerly known as the ASEAN Grand Prix, after scoring a stunning 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 25-21 victory over Indonesia last Sunday in Vietnam.
This was the lone victory of the Alas in the first Leg of the tourney with Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, Thea Gagate, Dawn Catindig and skipper Jia De Guzman showing the way.
Alas also snapped an 11-game losing skid in the tourney dating back in 2022.
The last time the Philippines had podium finish was in 2019 behind the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Kalei Mau, Majoy Baron, Ces Molina, and Aby Marano.
Thailand completed its title-retention bid after surviving Vietnam 25-18, 27-29, 23-25, 25-21, 15-13.
Thai outside hitter Moksri Chatchu-on was awarded as the first Leg’s MVP and Best Outside Hitter while her teammates Kongyot Ajcharaporn and Pannoy Piyanut received the Best Outside Hitter and Best Libero plums, respectively.
Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, who dropped 41 points against Thailand, was named Best Opposite Spiker while Dihn Thi Tra Giang copped the Best Middle Blocker award.
Alas’ De Guzman and Gagate, were hailed Best Setter and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.
The second leg of the SEA V.League is set from Aug. 9 to 11 in Thailand with the same four-team cast.
