AFTER struggling in their first two matches, Alas Pilipinas battled to a bronze medal finish in the 5th Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League women’s tournament by beating Indonesia 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13 yesterday at the end of first leg action at Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The nationals repeated their bronze medal in last year’s edition of the competition with Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, and Eya Laure playing huge roles.
Also making pivotal contributions in Alas’ third straight bronze feat were skipper Jia De Guzman, Fifi Sharma, Dell Palomata, and Justine Jazareno.
After failing to complete a straight sets win, Alas regained its footing in the fourth frame, going on a 7-1 start, and cruised to a 14-3 lead after a cross-court kill from Laure.
The team surged to a 21-9 lead after back-to-back hits from Canino, who also delivered the clinching point, a back-row kill, for the 25-13 win.
The win was the lone victory for the Jorge Souza de Brito-mentored Filipina spikers, who lost their first two matches against Southeast Asia powerhouses Thailand and Vietnam.
Thailand and Vietnam were battling for the gold medal match at press time.
Indonesia ended the three-day tourney without a win, extending its slump.
Indonesia will host the second leg starting this Friday.
